Today, I'm reaching out about something deeply important to me. As many of you know, I'm passionate about helping young people in Norwalk who have incredible potential but limited access to the support and resources many of us take for granted.

One of those kids is Lygend Menard, a recent graduate from Brien McMahon High School. If you've met Lygend, you've experienced his genuine kindness, warmth, and big-hearted nature firsthand. Despite facing significant financial obstacles, Lygend now has an amazing opportunity ahead: attending Curry College as the very first person in his family to pursue higher education.

Lygend will be majoring in Criminal Justice, aligning with his lifelong dream of a career in legal work or law enforcement. Additionally, he's earned the incredible chance to fulfill another dream: playing college football. Remarkably, he was recruited after just one year of playing football at Brien McMahon, demonstrating the potential Curry College coaches see in him as an offensive tackle.

While Lygend received a scholarship covering about 75% of his tuition and expenses, there's still a financial gap to close. I've committed to helping him, but I'd love to invite our wonderful community to support this outstanding young man as well.

Any contribution you can make—big or small—will directly help Lygend achieve his dreams and set him on a path to success. Beyond helping one individual, it's also a step toward leveling the playing field for talented kids in our wider community.