DANBURY— Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC) recently celebrated its 35th anniversary at its annual scholarship and awards breakfast.
The June 3 event at the Amber Room Colonnade marked the nonprofit mentorship’s founding in 1990 as it awarded $1,000 scholarships to 13 graduating seniors enrolled in the mentorship program from Danbury High School, Alternative Center for Education, and Henry Abbott Technical High School. Students that pursue a college degree can renew the scholarship each year for a total of $4,000.
“The energy in the room was palpable,” said DSABC Executive Director Alexis Koukos. “Seeing more than 250 people gather together to celebrate 35 years of mentoring is a true testament to the value of our mentorship program. Mentoring is needed now more than ever, and becoming a mentor is a simple, yet effective way that transforms our community.”
Remarks were made at the event by such local luminaries as Mayor Roberto Alves, city school Superintendent Dr. Kara Casimiro, and Chef Shawn Osbey, a 1998 graduate of Danbury High School.
Known as the “Traveling Chef,” Osbey had a mentor through the DSABC Mentorship Program during his middle and high school years. Osbey spoke on how the city of Danbury is important to him, and how his education and mentorship experience impacted his life and helped shape him into who he is today.
In addition, DSABC recognized mentors who have reached milestones of 5, 10 and 15 years of service. New this year, DSABC awarded a Distinguished Dedication Award to Sarah Bollert for her commitment to furthering the DSABC mission in her 10 years of service on the DSABC Board and mentoring for more than a decade.
As of June 2025, more than 150 students in Danbury Public Schools are matched with a mentor from the Greater Danbury community. Any individual that is over 18 and in the Greater Danbury area is eligible to be a mentor.
Koukos was recently honored by Westfair Business Journals, which includes the Fairfield County Business Journal, as a member of the 2025 40 under Forty class.
For more information about DSABC’s programs and to apply to be a mentor, please visit DSABCMentors.org or contact Alexis Koukos at alexis@dsabcmentors.org.