Latest news with #DreamBig
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Oriole seniors take flight at MSD graduation, after year of dreaming big
For the new graduates at the Maryland School for the Deaf, Friday's commencement ceremony was the culmination of a year of big plans and accomplishments. The school's theme for the past year was 'Dream Big.' Class president Truly Austin urged her classmates to make the most of life as they move on from their time in 'this big, beautiful Deaf community' at the school. 'Go out there, enjoy it, and write that story,' Austin said through a sign language interpreter during Friday's ceremony in the school's gymnasium at its Frederick campus. There's a map for everyone's future, and while Friday's ceremony was the end of one part of life's journey, it was the start of another, she said. 'Remember, your map is waiting for you to create,' she said. This year's class had 24 graduates, according to Amy Mowl, the school's director of public relations. Austin, of Mount Airy, was busy during her time at MSD. Along with being the class president and a member of the National Honor Society, she played basketball and volleyball, was on the school's track team, and played softball as a freshman. She will attend the University of Maryland in the fall, and major in psychology. She knows attending college will be a change from what she's used to, but she's excited to face the challenge. 'I want to see what it's like to navigate the hearing world,' she said in an interview as she and her classmates got ready before Friday's ceremony. Tahoe Herzig-Wilcox was another multi-sport star for the Orioles, playing football, basketball, and volleyball, as well as being a member of the National Honor Society and one of the school's Top Scholars. He plans to major in accounting and play volleyball at Gallaudet University in the fall. He was still processing the end of his time at MSD before Friday's ceremony, for which he was one of two student speakers, along with Austin. 'It doesn't feel real. It's kind of surreal right now. It kind of snuck up on us,' he said in an interview through an interpreter. He said his summer would be busy with sports, attending a volleyball camp in Texas and a basketball tournament in Las Vegas. Otherwise, he will just be getting ready for college and working to make extra money, he said. In his speech Friday, Herzig-Wilcox urged his classmates to step outside their comfort zones as they move beyond their days at MSD. They will make mistakes, he said, but they'll never know what they can overcome if they don't try. 'Take the shot. Try the thing that scares you,' he said. Torriah Cunningham had attended the school since she was 4 years old. Cunningham, from Cumberland, said she loved living in the dormitories at the school, and the friends she made there. 'Really, I have a sisterhood with a lot of these girls,' she said through an interpreter. She plans to study early childhood education at Towson University, and wants to teach pre-kindergarten or kindergarten when she graduates. Over the summer, she plans to visit family in Jamaica, as well as work and get ready for college. Graduation is always a bittersweet time, saying goodbye to another class of seniors, John A. Serrano, the school's superintendent, said before the ceremony. 'Graduation never gets old to me. I look forward to it every year,' he said, speaking through an interpreter. At the ceremony, he urged the graduates to think about where they want to be, and how to get to that point. As the year went by, they saw their big dreams grow into accomplishments, he said. But their dreams won't end with Friday's graduation, and they'll need confidence to make their dreams come true, he said. Friday's commencement speaker was John Maucere, an actor and certified deaf interpreter who has appeared on television shows including 'Law & Order,' 'Southland,' and 'Pacific Blue,' and created and portrayed the character SuperDeafy in 'No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie,' among other credits. He urged the graduates to pursue their goals, and accept that mistakes are how to learn in life. 'Your dreams are yours. You're not chasing other people's dreams,' Maucere said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ISX Financial Reports Record Results in 2024 Annual Report - Revenue Up 81% Year-on-Year
NICOSIA, Cyprus, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ISX Financial EU Plc ("ISXPlc"), an innovative provider of regulated transactional banking services and real-time payment technology in the UK and Europe, today released the financial highlights of its 2024 Audited Annual Report, marking another record-breaking year of growth, profitability, and innovation. 2024 Financial Highlights Robust GrowthISXPlc reported revenue of €58.7 million for the financial year 2024, reflecting an 81% year-on-year increase. This growth was driven by surging transaction volumes, strong client acquisition, and strategic investments. ISXPlc's software subsidiary, Probanx, contributed more than €2.5 million to the Group's total revenue. Financial StrengthISXPlc achieved an industry-leading EBITDA margin of 61%, representing a 30% improvement compared to the previous year. This margin expansion underscores the scalability of the company's model and the strength of its diversified client base. Innovation FocusIn 2024, ISXPlc invested €2.8 million in Research & Development through its Probanx subsidiaries, accelerating product delivery and continuous platform enhancements. These investments support the company's ongoing commitment to pioneering secure, intelligent payments and regulatory technology solutions. Trusted PartnerClient balances held under custody rose by 56% to €189 million, reflecting increased trust from ISXPlc's growing network of business customers. As a prudentially regulated institution, safeguarding client funds remains a cornerstone of ISXPlc's reputation and service delivery. Product and Partnership DevelopmentIn the fourth quarter, ISXPlc launched its SEPA Direct Debit with Notification service and completed a strategic investment in an AI-focused business. The Group's 2025 product roadmap includes several innovations and enhancements developed and delivered by its Probanx subsidiaries. Community EngagementWith a substantial portion of its team based in Cyprus, ISXPlc reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement. In 2024, the company continued its long-standing partnership with Ronald McDonald House through both financial support and staff volunteering. ISXPlc also hosted a successful national blood donation drive and expanded its "Dream Big" Initiative, promoting youth participation in sport. Additionally, ISXPlc was proud to sponsor Olympic fencer Alexander Tofalides and the Cyprus Rugby Federation. Outlook for 2025Despite macroeconomic turbulence in early 2025, ISXPlc is targeting full-year revenues of €60–65 million while maintaining profitability margins in the 30–40% range. The company remains confident in its ability to execute on its strategy, driven by innovation, operational excellence, and disciplined growth. View the 2024 Annual Report here: About ISX Financial EU PlcISX Financial EU Plc is a leading UK and EU-based electronic money institution and transactional banking provider, offering secure, real-time payments via bank and card rails. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Probanx, ISXPlc delivers cutting-edge Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to banks and financial institutions across the globe, including interconnecting banks with central banks. For more information, visit Media enquiries: +35722015740, media@ View original content: SOURCE ISX Financial EU PLC Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Sponsored: Dreaming big with sleep by Dufresne
Callie McLaughlin and mascots Buzz & Boomer share how Dufresne supports kids through the Dream Big program and a fun meet & greet on May 8.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Stockton native and NASA astronaut José M. Hernández honored with RTD bus wrap
( — The San Joaquin Regional Transit District and local leaders celebrated the unveiling of the agency's new José M. Hernández bus wrap—a tribute to the Stockton native and celebrated NASA astronaut. 'I am deeply honored and humbled by RTD's incredible tribute,' Hernández said in a press release. 'To see my image and message wrapped on an RTD bus that travels the very streets where my journey began is both emotional and inspiring.' Stockton farmworker turned astronaut inspires Amazon Prime movie Hernández added, 'This community helped shape who I am, and I'm grateful to RTD for celebrating that connection. I hope this bus serves as a moving reminder to our youth that with education, hard work, and perseverance, any dream is within reach.' The bus wrap features Hernández in his trademark NASA uniform alongside the quote 'It's OK to Dream Big,' displayed in both English and Spanish. The bus wrap is part of a joint venture between RTD and the Hernandez's Reaching for the Stars Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire youth to find passion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, establish a family commitment to education, and develop a support network through community engagement. The bus wrap will be displayed for at least two years, according to the county. It was unveiled on Saturday at Cal State Stanislaus, Stockton Campus. 'Mr. Hernández is such a beloved part of the Stockton community—we thought it was only fitting to honor him with a bus wrap,' said RTD Chief Executive Officer Alex Clifford. 'His inspiring story is a reminder to us all about the power of perseverance and persistence. We look forward to sharing his powerful words on our buses for years to come.' One of four children in a migrant farming family from Mexico, Hernández didn't learn English until he was 12 years old. Despite that, he graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton with a degree in electrical engineering before enrolling as a graduate student at the University of California in Santa Barbara, where he continued his engineering studies. He joined the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1987 and officially became part of the NASA Space Program in 2001. In 2009, he took part in the STS-128 space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. The story of Hernández's rise from his humble beginnings in a migrant workers family to a NASA astronaut was depicted in the 2023 biographical film 'A Million Miles Away,' starring Michael Pena. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MUHC Foundation celebrates $200M Dream Big campaign milestone
MUHC Foundation celebrates $200M Dream Big campaign milestone MONTREAL, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion of its ambitious Dream Big campaign, which has surpassed its $200 million fundraising goal. Launched in 2020 during a time of global uncertainty, the campaign has served as a catalyst for innovation, excellence in patient care, and transformative medical research. 'We know that dreaming big is the first step to creating meaningful change, and those who have generously contributed to this campaign—whether it's $20 or $200K—have helped turn these big dreams into reality. Despite the unique challenges of launching a campaign of this size in 2020—amidst a historic global pandemic—Quebecers mobilized in great numbers and rallied for change. It is a privilege to be a part of this community that cares so much.' —Marie-Hélène Laramée, President & CEO of the MUHC Foundation. From fighting cancer and fixing broken hearts to combating global pandemics and recruiting world-class talent, Dream Big has fueled cutting-edge advances at the MUHC, one of Canada's most prestigious academic health centres. 'Quebecers believe in giving back, and that's why we're celebrating this monumental moment for health care in our province. It's been an honour to be a part of the MUHC Foundation's Dream Big campaign, which is fueling groundbreaking innovation at the MUHC and benefits every single one of us.' —Jean Charest, Former Premier of Quebec & Dream Big Campaign Co-Chair. Among the major initiatives supported by the campaign is the Dream Big: End Cancer initiative, which funds early detection and precision medicine through pioneering projects like the liquid biopsy and DOvEEgene test. These innovations are already improving survival rates and patient outcomes. 'The Research Institute of the MUHC (The Institute) is home to one of the largest adult cancer research programs in the country. Donations to the MUHC Foundation are directly funding innovative clinical trials that are offering patients more chances and extending lives. Our big dream is to convert cancer into a treatable disease, and philanthropy fuels this vital research.' —Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer, The Institute. The campaign has also powered the growth of the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity (MI4), a global leader in the fight against microbial threats, antimicrobial resistance, and future pandemics. 'When we first began to dream big together, in 2020, we were on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, thanks to our donors, MI4 is growing, evolving, and making a real impact on the world stage. With our renewed focus on pandemic threats, antimicrobial resistance, and microbial threats to human health, we're ready to tackle the challenges ahead.' —Dr. Marcel Behr, Director of MI4. In the field of cardiology, the Fix Broken Hearts initiative is advancing personalized, preventive, and regenerative heart care, positioning the MUHC as a leader in cardiovascular health. 'Donations to the MUHC Foundation have helped position the MUHC as a global leader in heart health. This type of support is critical because it enables our specialists to focus on what matters most: cutting-edge research and raising the standard of care for Canada's #1 killer—heart disease.' —Dr. Atul Verma, Director of Cardiology at the MUHC Dream Big has also made a profound impact in attracting and retaining world-class medical talent. Dozens of top-tier specialists have been recruited to the MUHC thanks to donor support, helping to expand the institution's reputation for research and clinical excellence. 'Attracting top talent to the MUHC means we not only provide the best care but also advance groundbreaking research to solve tomorrow's challenges today. Together with our generous community of donors, we're driving all aspects of health care forward and making sure we have the very best and brightest minds to do that.' —Dr. Marc Rodger, Chair of the MUHC's Department of Medicine. One of the campaign's signature achievements includes the Dream Big: Lachine Hospital initiative, a joint effort between the MUHC Foundation and the Lachine Hospital Foundation to support the modernization and expansion of the hospital. The $5M campaign complements the government's $220M revitalization project and enhances care for patients in the West Island. The success of Dream Big would not have been possible without the leadership of campaign co-chairs Suzanne Legge Orr, Jean Charest, and Marc Parent, who each played a vital role in making this campaign a reality. 'To our supporters, thank you. Every breakthrough is made possible by donors who have shown up over the past 5 years to remind us of what we have always known: our community cares about the future of health care.' —Marc Parent, Dream Big Campaign Co-Chair & President and CEO of CAE. 'Serving as co-chair for this historic campaign has been an incredible honour. Quebecers rallied and showed us that they want to take part in building our healthier future, right here at the MUHC.' —Suzanne Legge-Orr, Dream Big Campaign Co-Chair & Community Leader. As the MUHC Foundation closes the chapter on Dream Big, the journey continues. The Foundation remains committed to supporting world-class care and life-saving research for all Quebecers, today and for generations to come. 'Philanthropy has been a lifeline for the MUHC, empowering us to remain global leaders in patient care, research, and education. This campaign was about dreaming big, and we have—but now, we will dream even bigger, as the needs of our patients continue to evolve. With every new discovery, every innovative treatment, and every patient we care for, we are building a future where health care knows no limits.' —Dr. Lucie Opatrny, President and Executive Director of the MUHC. The MUHC Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to every donor, partner, and volunteer who helped make this milestone possible. Together, we have achieved something extraordinary—just imagine what we will do next. About the McGill University Health Centre FoundationThe McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation raises funds to support excellence in patient care, research and teaching at the McGill University Health Centre, one of the top university hospitals in Canada. Our Dream Big Campaign to change the course of lives and medicine is raising millions of dollars to solve humanity's deadliest puzzles: infectious diseases; end cancer as a life-threatening illness; fix broken hearts through innovative cardiac care; detect the silent killers—ovarian and endometrial cancers—early; create the best skilled health care teams in Canada; and much more. We are rallying our entire community to solve the world's most complex health care challenges. Tarah SchwartzVice-President, Communications & MarketingMcGill University Health Centre Vanessa AngellSocial Media ManagerMcGill University Health Centre A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
