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Letter from Lauren Basile
Drew’s Mom
As many people already know, my son Drew Basile received the Christian J. Santo College Scholarship to attend St. Thomas Aquinas College as a Freshman last year. I have seen so many positive changes with Drew and he has seen these changes in himself. Not only did Drew receive the support of the foundation in assisting with tuition, but he also received support from the foundation, with members calling and checking in on him, and Karan and Billy assisting in having Drew become a member of the baseball team acting as a team manager. The scholarship, the foundation, and Karen and Billy have literally changed Drew’s life. Drew has gained extended families with Karen and Billy, the baseball team, and the foundation, all of whom truly care about and love Drew. He feels this love and care and it has really given him a boost in self-esteem and confidence.
As with many first-year college students, Drew had many adjustments to make from transitioning to living at home attending high school to living away and attending college. Within a short time, Drew has adjusted nicely and has gained more responsibility and independence. His grades now are better than they have ever been and I along with my family are so proud of how far Drew has come. All of these wonderful experiences and successes would not have been possible if he had not received the scholarship and the support of the Christian J. Santo Foundation. From Drew, my family, my friends, and I, we want to extend our thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to the foundation for the life-changing experiences it has afforded Drew.
As Drew just began his second year at STAC I am so happy with the decision we made for him to attend. Drew has a great friend group with members of the baseball team and other students living on and off campus. Drew attends practices, games, and meetings to help the baseball team in any way he can. Drew also travels with the team during the athletic season. Drew does not just interact with the players during scheduled baseball responsibilities, he goes to the gym, to dinner, and to the not-so-occasional party with them. Drew also lives with two players and shares the suite with three other players. He has gained a really great friend group within the baseball team and has really come out of his shell. He says this is the first time he truly feels accepted despite his visual impairment and for this, I am so grateful.
