Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1990 that builds the character and confidence of Danbury students through mentorship and more, held its Annual Scholarship and Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, June 3, at the Amber Room Colonnade.

Celebrating 35 years of mentoring making a difference, DSABC 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 who pursue a college degree can renew the scholarship each year for a total of $4,000. 

At the breakfast, Mayor Roberto Alves addressed the 250+ attendees, accompanied by Dr. Kara Casimiro, Superintendent of Danbury Public Schools, who offered welcoming remarks. The 2025 impact speaker was 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 about how the City of Danbury is important to him and how his education and mentorship experiences have impacted his life, helping 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. 

“The energy in the room was palpable,” said Alexis Koukos, Executive Director of DSABC. “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.”

As of June 2025, more than 150 students in Danbury Public Schools are matched with a mentor from the Greater Danbury community. Any individual over 18 years old residing in the Greater Danbury area is eligible to be a mentor. In less than an hour a week, a mentor can change a child’s life. “We are seeking additional volunteer mentors to positively impact the lives of our students.” 

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.