Bobcat Stories

By Denise Rael-Comstock
Horizons Albuquerque Executive Director

Since the summer of 2014, Horizons Albuquerque, a local educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing equitable learning opportunities for students in our community, has been utilizing the beautiful Bosque School campus. The Horizons Albuquerque program started at Bosque School with 46 students in grades 2, 3, and 4. As of this past summer, it has grown to serve 173 students across three campuses. One of the most significant impacts of this collaboration is the sense of belonging and inclusion it fosters. When the Horizons Albuquerque scholars arrive on the Bosque School campus, they encounter a welcoming atmosphere and an uplifting environment that radiates positivity and support. This immediate sense of belonging is compelling, as it helps students build self-esteem and belief in their potential.

Horizons scholars can access resources and facilities they may not have encountered otherwise. This partnership enables them to engage in many enriching learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting. More importantly, it reflects the shared values of both organizations and demonstrates the transformative power of education. This is a powerful inspiration for our continued collaboration.

Over the years, many Bosque School students and alums have contributed to the program in various roles, such as volunteers, classroom assistants, donors, and, more recently, board members. These students and alums have led classroom lessons, provided financial support, and continue to shape the program's policies. It is heartwarming to see Bosque School alums giving back by actively participating in the Horizons Albuquerque program.

It is a privilege to be part of this initiative, and I look forward to witnessing our scholars' growth and success on this beautiful campus. We are deeply grateful for the support of Bosque School's administration, staff, and alumni. Your partnership and commitment to our mission have made a significant difference in our community. Thank you for all that you do!

“Working for Horizons the past few years has been such an amazing experience, and so has going to Bosque since middle school….I've never felt annoyed to be on campus during the summer, because of its beauty and the way that a different program changes the energy entirely. Working over the summer is something I didn't love the idea of, but when I began working with Horizons and found out I'd get to remain on campus, I was almost relieved…. Bosque's campus has always been so nice to work at; with the gorgeous nature for the kids to learn with, the large area for multiple groups of kids, and classrooms with a lot of accessibility, it's hard to think of a teacher who wouldn't want to work there. I can't wait to go back for another summer!” –Dusti Peterson, Bosque Bobcat, Class of 2026

"The partnership between Bosque and Horizons exemplifies how community and education can come together to empower Albuquerque's youth. I am proud to be part of this relationship that continues to inspire and support the next generation." –Ben Strozier Class of 2011

“Horizons Albuquerque isn't just about academic enrichment; it's about instilling a love for learning, fostering self-esteem, and providing a support system that empowers children to dream big. It's about building bridges between communities and showing that every child can achieve greatness with resources and opportunities.”
–Denise Rael-Comstock, Horizons Albuquerque Executive Director

Dennis Shaulis is a Bosque alum parent and has been part of Horizons Albuquerque for over 8 years, supporting them after his retirement from Intel. He says, “One of my post-retirement goals was to become engaged in the education process. I have been fortunate to work with the Horizons extended family on the Bosque campus. It has been very rewarding to see the impact that this program has had on our students as they have grown academically and socially, supporting each other in the process”.  

Dennis’s son Noah, Bosque School class of 2024, also worked with Horizons on the summer sports staff for multiple summers. Noah shares, “Bosque taught me that inclusion and kindness are some of the most important values a person can have. During my work at Horizons, this couldn't have been more true. I feel like all of the people I worked with at Horizons kept these values in the forefront of everything they did.”

"As a Bosque alum, I am grateful for the excellent educational foundation I received and the skills that have carried forward into adulthood. I am also proud that my school's reach extends beyond its student body to support Horizons scholars as they spend their summers enriching their own educational foundations. Albuquerque is a stronger community because of the learning that is fostered through Horizons programming on Bosque's campus." Katie Simon, Class of 2017.