Norte Dame student's legacy lives on in graduation journey of Chicago's youth
CHICAGO (WGN) — Thousands of students will cross a graduation stage over the next couple weeks, among them, one very special group, known as Declan's 40.
Declan Sullivan is a name few will ever forget. It has been nearly 15 years since the Notre Dame junior tragically died when the hydraulic scissor lift he was videotaping from, toppled due to high wind. His family could have sued the university, but instead they chose a different path, one that has dramatically changed the course for 100 students in Chicago.
They handed over $400,000 in donations to Horizons for Youth, a local organization committed to ensuring underprivileged kids get to cross their own graduation stage.
'Education has always been extremely important to our family,' Declan's younger sister Wyn Sullivan said
Greg Borkowski is the group's executive director.
'A lot of times, if you're from an under resourced aream you stop looking for things because they might not be there,' he said.
They started with a group of four dozen kindergarteners from low income neighborhoods across the city. They called them Declan's 40.
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'For us it's been a really good way to keep a memory alive,' Declan's younger brother Mac Sullivan said.
Through mentoring, tutors, and community support, more and more kids were added, becoming Declan's 52, than 64.
Now, 14 years after his death, the Sullivan Family has raised more than $9 million dollars through their annual fundraiser, forever changing the paths of 100 Chicago students.
That first group, Declan's 40, is graduating this month.
Camrin Darke is part of that group.
'When we were in kindergarten, we were the ones that started,' she said. 'It's been amazing. That was probably the most significant part of my life that helped me get to where I am now.'
Camrin will be attending Illinois State University this fall.
Melanie Angel is headed to University of Wisconsin.
'I grew up in Little Village in the far Southwest Side of Chicago and there aren't a lot of opportunities in my neighborhood,' she said.
Every year, the newest college bound grads are honored at the No Ordinary Night Gala.
'Seeing students that were in kindergarten, then now graduating high school moving through college … has an incredible impact on how they see their own opportunities,' Borkowski said. 'It really is a legacy. And I just think that is incredible.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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