On Monday, Sept. 16, CONNECT launched the start of its third year at the Highland Falls Intermediate School with a magnificent magic show by Magic Jim. With 191 students registered for the free after-school program (which is now for children in grades 2-8) the audience was full, and it was wand-erful to see all the smiles, Director Christine McDonald said. The magic show focused on the pillars of the CONNECT program: respect, kindness, caring, inclusivity, and CONNECTedness. Casting magical energy, students were enchanted by the Magic Jims Kind Kid Program; with an abra-ca-dab-ra the room was full of laughter and joy.

CONNECT is sponsored by the West Point Association of Graduates Hudson Valley Program. To learn more about the program visit: connectlead.org.