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Breakthrough at Norfolk Academy completed another successful summer in 2026, culminating in graduation exercises on July 24 that highlighted the students' growth.

Breakthrough is a free summer program that prepares public middle school students for high school. Program Director and NA Teacher-Coach Reggie Cole said at graduation that Breakthrough students bring a desire to learn, adapt, and become better. Those important character traits stood out throughout the summer, as students purposely chose to come to school rather than the beach or movie theater.

“Continue to make sacrifices for the outcome that you desire," Cole said.

Now in its 34th year at NA, Breakthrough also provides college students hands-on teaching experience. These aspiring teachers learn empathy, energy, unselfishness, and how to inspire.

“Teaching is not a profession, it's a calling," said Norfolk Academy Head of School Travis Larrabee. “Thank you for answering the call."

This year's group was 63 students strong, included 15 ninth grade graduates. At the closing ceremonies, they received diplomas and showed off many academic, artistic, and musical skills they have cultivated during a popular talent show. The keynote speaker was Caleb Payne, a Breakthrough and Granby High School graduate who is now studying aeronautics at Embry-Riddle University in Florida.

“Expose yourself to new opportunities so you can open as many doors as possible," Payne said. “Be curious and willing to learn. Find a support system that is willing to guide you toward accomplishing your mission, whatever it may be."

Academy teachers Jordon Crichlow and Ashlyn Kemp assist Cole in leading the five-week summer program as well as other Breakthrough activities over the course of the year. A number of NA teachers and retired teachers also assist the aspiring educators: Eric Acra; Tom Duquette; Elizabeth Glassman; Kyle Goodson; and Valerie Thornton.  

Each year, teachers and students earn a number of Breakthrough awards. The Jessica Rachel Glasser Memorial awards were  established in 1998 by Richard Glasser ’59 to provide gifts to outstanding Breakthrough at Norfolk Academy students and teachers in memory of his daughter, Jessica Rachel Glasser ’92.

• Teaching awards: Bryanna Morales, Emma Wadovick
• Student awards: Kendall Demby, Veronica Keefe