►
Description
Mayor Michelle Wu, Superintendent Mary Skipper and Boston School Committee Chairperson Jeri Robinson honored the outstanding accomplishments of the 2023 Boston Public Schools valedictorians at Fenway Park. The ceremony brought together a diverse group of high-achieving students, their families, and esteemed members of the community.
A
B
So
we
do
want
to
begin
by
thanking
our
amazing
sponsors
for
making
today
possible
and
you
can
find
a
complete
list
of
our
sponsors
in
your
program
book
special
thanks
to
our
major
sponsors
and
they
include
Eastern,
Bank,
Foundation,
Wentworth,
Institute
of
Technology
and,
of
course,
our
host.
The
Boston
Red
Sox
I
mean
check
out
that
view
right
here
right
because
of
their
generosity,
each
student
is
receiving
an
Amazon
gift
card
to
support
their
transition
to
college
students.
We
want
you
to
check
your
BPS
email
this
afternoon
for
that
special
gift.
B
Okay,
so
today
we
celebrate
an
inspiring
group
of
young
people
who
have
worked
incredibly
hard
to
reach
the
top
of
their
class,
and
you
know
it's
an
amazing
accomplishment
and
we
salute
each
and
every
one
of
you
I'm
sure
that
the
students
would
agree
that
they
did
not
achieve
their
success
alone
along
the
way
they've
been
supported
by
caring
adults,
many
of
whom
who
are
with
us
today.
So
first
we
want
to
thank
all
of
the
parents
and
family
members
of
our
valedictorians.
We
want
to
please
stand
and
give
you
a
big
round
of
applause.
B
B
We
want
to
thank
each
and
every
one
of
you
for
your
hard
work
on
behalf
of
these
students
and
all
the
young
people
in
Boston
Public
Schools.
So
at
this
time,
I'd
like
to
invite
to
the
podium
a
person
who
has
made
a
public
education,
a
top
priority
in
her
Administration
is
Mary
Wu
here
yet
now,
here,
okay,
we're
gonna,
get
to
her.
C
Thank
you
Crystal
and
thank
you
for
being
our
host
today.
It's
truly
a
pleasure
to
be
here
on
this
beautiful
day
in
this
beautiful
space.
Looking
it
out
at
all
of
these
beautiful
faces
to
welcome
you
all
to
the
Boston
Public
Schools
valedictorians
luncheon
I'd
like
to
take
a
moment
to
introduce
my
fellow
school
committee
members
who
are
with
us
today.
Our
vice
chair,
Michael,
O'neal,.
C
C
I
also
want
to
recognize
our
elected
officials,
mayor
Wu,
who
will
be
joining
us
shortly:
state
representatives,
Rob,
consalvo
and
Kevin
Hanan.
Are
they
here
coming
Boston
City
councilor
president
Ed
Flynn
council
is
Michael
Flaherty
lender
Lara,
ruthjis
Lujan
and
Brian
Worrell
and
Boston
Teachers
Union,
president
Jessica
Tang.
C
As
many
of
whom
answered
the
call
year
after
year,
thank
our
presenting
sponsors,
Eastern,
Bank,
Wentworth,
Institute
of
Technology
and
our
host,
the
Boston
Red
Sox,
quite
simply
redone
it
without
you
all.
Thank
you
so
much
our
mayor,
our
school
committee,
our
superintendent
superintendent.
All
of
us
are
committed
to
providing
the
best
public
education
in
the
country.
That's
what
we
work
towards
every
day,
raising
quality
while
expanding
equity
and
access,
but
it's
up
to
the
students
to
take
advantage
of
the
opportunities
provided
and
challenge
us,
the
adults
to
do
better
and
you've
done
that
preparing.
C
For
today's
event,
I
was
struck
by
two
things.
First,
the
incredible
diversity
represented
here
today,
our
valedictorians
literally
come
from
all
over
the
world.
Some
were
born
and
raised
in
Boston
and
have
attended
BPS
since
kindergarten.
Others
have
only
been
in
this
country
for
a
few
short
years.
C
C
I
also
noted
that
each
of
you
has
found
your
own
support
system
for
some,
it's
a
parent
or
a
relative
for
others.
It's
a
teacher
or
guidance
counselor,
whoever
it
is.
You
had
that
caring
adult
to
guide
you
along
the
way,
that's
so
important,
because
none
of
us
can
do
this
alone.
Life
can
be
unpredictable.
C
There
will
always
be
challenges,
but
when
we
have
a
support
system,
we
find
the
strength
to
push
through
and
become
the
best
version
of
ourselves.
We
want
to
make
sure
that
you
have
support
systems
moving
forward.
That's
why
we're
delighted
to
be
joined
today
by
the
valedictorian
project
led
by
former
Senator
Warren
Tolman
and
his
Dynamic
team.
C
C
I
also
encourage
you
that
Mentor
for
someone
else
to
be
that
Mentor
for
someone
else,
a
younger
sibling
or
a
classmate
who
may
be
struggling.
You
have
the
power
to
make
a
difference
in
someone's
life
right
now.
Don't
wait,
there's
so
much
talent
in
this
room,
so
much
potential
I
encourage
you
all
to
give
back
to
the
city
that
you
have
given
so
much
to.
We
need
you
here
in
Boston
to
keep
our
dynamic
city
thriving
congratulations
to
all
of
you,
we're
so
proud
of
you
enjoy
this
spectacular
day.
Thank
you.
B
Thank
you
so
much
chair
Robinson.
You
know
our
next
speaker
is
wrapping
up
her
first
school
year
as
Boston
public
schools,
superintendent,
where
she
is
focused
on
ensuring
that
all
students
have
Equitable
access
to
Quality
education
and
experiences.
So
it
is
my
pleasure
to
please
welcome
superintendent,
Mary
skipper.
D
D
For
us
today
are
33
valedictorians,
they're,
truly
exceptional
and
I
use
that
word
exceptional.
In
so
many
ways
you
valedictorians
are
exceptional
students
taking
the
most
rigorous
and
challenging
courses,
be
a
dual
enrollment
Early
College
IB
APS
in
every
way
academically
you
have
challenged
yourselves
and,
most
importantly,
you
have
held
yourself
to
our
very
high
standard
and
that's
part
of
why
you're
being
recognized
today,
but
you're
also
exceptional
for
who
you
are
a
third
of
you
will
be
the
first
to
go
to
college
in
your
family.
That's
Applause,.
D
D
D
D
Nothing
happens.
I
firmly
believe
this
nothing
happens
without
challenge,
nothing
great
happens
without
Challenge,
and
the
students
here
today
represent
courage,
hard
work,
determination,
persistence,
whether
it
was
being
a
caretaker
in
their
home
whether
it
was
working
full-time
while
they
went
to
high
school,
whether
it
was
being
homeless
but
coming
to
school
every
day,
whether
it
was
figuring
out
how
to
navigate
a
new
school
system
and
a
new
language
or
struggling
to
balance,
a
schedule
full
of
college
courses.
At
the
same
time
they
were
working
as
the
same
time.
D
D
D
Maybe
it
was
your
teachers
and
counselors
or
your
principal,
maybe
as
a
friend
or
a
mentor,
as
you
set
out
on
this
next
part
of
your
journey,
be
that
light
for
someone
else
use
those
talents,
those
smarts
that
hard
work,
that
persistence
as
you
enter
this
next
part
and
do
it
to
make
positive
change
in
the
college
or
the
career
or
the
military
you
go
on
to
for
this
city
and
for
this
world,
that's
BPS,
proud,
and
today
we're
BPS,
proud
of
you.
Thank
you.
B
E
Foreign
good
afternoon,
everyone
congratulations
and
thank
you
for
all
that
you
do
to
make
our
schools
our
neighborhoods
and
our
community
even
brighter
and
and
more
inspired.
This
is
one
of
my
favorite
events
every
single
year,
it's
a
chance
to
see
all
of
BPS
represented
in
one
space
with
the
talent,
the
Brilliance,
the
community,
that
we
all
dream
is
possible
and
to
all
of
the
valedictorians
in
the
room.
E
I
want
to
Echo
the
sentiments
of
the
superintendent
that
we
know.
This
is
not
just
a
moment
that
we
are
celebrating
with
you
right
now,
but
the
culmination
of
so
many
moments
along
the
way
where,
maybe
you
didn't
know
if
it
was
possible
just
to
keep
going
and
make
it
work
with
that
one
extra
activity
or
to
juggle
playing
a
sport
and
being
there
for
your
family
or
working
a
job
and
still
waking
up
every
morning
to
do
your
best
to
get
to
school
on
time,
supporting
families
supporting
your
peers.
E
We
are
so
proud
of
you,
but
most
of
all,
we
are
so
grateful
to
you,
because
you
are
going
to
be
leading
the
way
in
in
our
seats
very
very
soon
and
we're
so
thrilled
that
you're
representing
our
communities
today.
There
are
many
folks
who
have
made
this
event
possible
as
well.
I
want
to
thank
colleagues
in
public
service,
of
course,
Madam,
chair
and
members
of
the
school
committee.
Thank
you
for
all
that
you
do
I
know.
E
We
also
are
here
because
of
the
support
and
partnership
and
Leadership
of
our
friends
at
the
Red
Sox.
So
thank
you
to
Sam
for
all
that.
You
and
your
team
do
there's
no
better
space
to
celebrate
the
champions
in
this
room
and
what
it
means
to
be
bostonians.
So
we're
very,
very
grateful
that
you
help
us
have
a
special
day
with
our
valedictorians
I
hear.
President
Jessica
Tang
is
in
the
room,
so
okay,
so
she's
over
here.
So
on
behalf
of
representing
all
of
the
teachers
and
Educators.
Thank
you
for
what
you
do.
E
You
do
to
advocate
for
our
young
people
with
the
btu
and
our
folks
and
representatives
from
the
valedictorian
project.
I
know
Amy
and
Warren
as
co-founder
and
Founders
and
and
members
of
the
board,
Carly
and
Jessica
as
coordinators.
Thank
you
for
helping
us
sponsor
and
celebrate
this,
and
then
can
we
give
it
up.
Also
for
all
of
the
school
leaders
and
Educators
who
are
here
with
you.
E
E
E
Even
it's
a
world
of
opportunity,
but
it
is
also
a
path
that
then
the
next
Generation
has
to
really
Forge
all
on
their
own
and
so
for
all
those
in
the
room
who
are
the
first
to
finish.
High
School
in
this
country,
for
example,
or
in
your
family,
or
to
know
the
the
special
heart
that
it
took
to
get
you
to
this
point.
I
just
want
to
say
thank
you
for
being
an
inspiration,
and
that
has
made
you
now
ready
and
prepared
to
take
on
any
challenge
ahead
of
you.
E
We're
going
to
continue
to
look
for
look
to
you
as
models
for
what
Boston
could
be
and
should
be,
and
we're
going
to
continue
to
rely
on
you
to
grow,
invest
in
yourselves,
invest
in
your
community
and
then
come
right
back
here
and
make
sure
that
you
are
opening
the
door
for
the
Next.
Generation
superintendent
is
known
for
recruiting
back
her
all
of
our
our
BPS
graduates
to
come,
be
school
leaders
and
administrators
and
Chiefs
of
Staff
and
and
making
the
decisions
that
will
change
the
city
and
change.
The
future.
E
I
will
extend
that
invitation
and
and
make
a
pitch.
Also,
we
need
you
back
in
Boston,
wherever
you're
headed
off
to
I
know.
Many
of
you
will
be
will
be
in
the
close
by
area.
Come
spend
some
time
with
us
in
City
Hall
during
your
Summers.
We
want
you
to
intern
with
us.
We
want
you
to
get
right
in
there,
helping
us
shape
what's
happening
in
the
city
and
then
come
back
and
and
spend
build
your
career
here
and
grow
your
family
here
as
well.
E
We're
going
to
be
fighting
to
make
that
possible
and
make
it
affordable
and
accessible
and
nurturing
for
everyone
to
be
a
part
of
our
city.
Our
vision
is
for
Boston
to
be
the
greenest
city
in
America
and
first
for
families
the
best
place
to
raise
a
family
of
every
generation.
So
thank
you
for
your
part
in
making
sure
that
we
can
get
there
I'm
so
grateful
to
you.
F
F
F
F
F
F
The
resources
we
we
did
have
were
mad
and
history
books,
but
were,
and
they
were
outdated
and
after
finishing
a
middle
school
I
had
to
make
a
choice
as
I
assume
many
valedictorians.
Here
they
have
they.
They
took
a
choice
as
well.
They
made
a
choice
and
here's
mine.
My
choice
was
on
whether
to
come
to
the
US
or
go
straight
to
work
with
my
grandfather
in
his
cornfield
who
I
missed
him.
I
miss
him.
So
much
and
I
feel
I
want
the
best
for
him
and
But.
F
F
F
I
have
been
able
to
be
an
active
member
of
Brighton
High
community
I've
been
part
of
the
devate
and
espanol
varsity
team
and
was
named
captain
this
year
and
thank
you
and
winning
a
national
and
a
city
and
City
championships,
and
this
year
I
also
had
the
privilege
of
becoming
the
story.
The
student
body
president
and
and
being
a
voice
for
our
school
student
population
I'm,
also
a
a
crimson
Crimson,
Summer,
Academy
scholar,
age,
prep,
scholar
and,
ultimately,
a
a
quest.
F
F
If
you
only
remember
one
thing
about
this
speech,
let
it
be
remember
to
be
adaptable
and
and
embrace
change
instead
of
hearing
it.
I
know
that
many
of
us
are
going
to
college
or
work,
so
don't
be
afraid
as
brutally
is
one
as
Bruce
Lee
once
said,
notice
that
the
steepest
three
is
most
easily
cracked.
Why
would
that
bamboo
or
Willow
survives
by
by
bending
to
the
win
as
Shane,
comes
your
way,
keep
in
mind
that
it
can?
F
It
can
be
an
opportunity
for
greatness
as
we
move
on
from
high
school.
Just
for
the
please
explore
the
unknown
and
find
your
people
find
a
special
to
the
electoriums
and
all
the
seniors
who
are
going
to
college
find
your
people.
It
doesn't
have
to
be
50
50.
it.
It
can
be
five
or
it
can
only
be
two
two
who
two
two
friends
who
will
always
be
with
you,
but
please
be
careful
choosing
your
friends,
because
the
the
people
who
you
you
may
meet
your
first
week.
F
They
might
not
be
your
friends
forever
and
whatever
you
decide
to
go,
whether
it
is
school
work,
I
want
to
encourage
you,
ish
and,
and
every
one
of
you
to
follow
your
passions,
take
risks
and,
of
course,
make
mistakes,
we'll
learn
from
mistakes
and
pursue
your
dreams
I.
We
have
work
so
incredibly
hard
to
get
to
this
point
through
the
pandemic
and
in
the
field.
However,
I
feel
like
this
is
not
the
end.
F
G
G
Actually,
as
you
were
speaking,
I
was
thinking
about
it.
You
and
I
have
just
one
thing
in
common
and
one
thing
not
in
common.
We
have
one
thing
in
common,
and
that
is
we
both
chose
to
continue
our
studies
at
a
nescac
college
I
went
to
Trinity
College,
your
big
rival
at
Westland.
The
thing
we
do
not
have
in
common
is
I
was
not
the
valedictorian
of
my
class,
not
even
close,
although
I
was
a
proud
graduate
of
Brookline
High
School
right
down
the
street
I
come
from
a
family
of
teachers.
G
G
You
guys
should
be
so
proud
of
these
33
valedictorians.
It
is
truly
humbling
to
be
in
the
same
room
with
you
all,
and
it
is
a
privilege
for
the
Boston
Red
Sox
to
be
a
small
part
of
today.
I
want
to
thank
mayor,
Wu
and
superintendent
skipper
for
making
Boston
public
schools
and
public
education
such
an
important
part
of
your
Administration
and
your
leadership
at
every
turn.
I
am
a
dad
of
a
college
freshman
and
a
high
school
senior
and
I
know
what
you,
what
you,
teachers,
and
also
what
you
kids
have
lived
through.
G
You,
young
adults,
I'm,
sorry,
have
lived
through
the
last
many
years,
not
only
the
challenges
of
your
schoolwork
and
friends
and
everything
that's
going
on
in
the
world,
but
to
come
through
the
other
side
of
a
global
pandemic,
something
Our
Generation
never
had
to
deal
deal
with.
You
are
truly
going
to
be
the
most
resilient
generation
and
I
Echo.
What
the
mayor
said,
please
please,
please
stay
a
Red,
Sox
fan
come
back
to
Boston
or
don't
leave
Boston
stay
here
and
Kevin
I
also
want
to
extend
an
offer
to
you.
G
I
know
you're
going
to
become
an
immigration
lawyer,
you're,
probably
going
to
become
who
knows
mayor
of
the
city
of
Boston,
whatever
it
is,
but
you
are
officially
hired
if
you
ever
and
I'm
being
serious.
If
you
want
to
come
work
with
the
Boston
Red
Sox,
you,
let
me
know
S
Kennedy
at
redsox.com,
we
have
a
spot
for
you.
That
was
an
amazing
speech.
I
am
blown
away
by
you
and
and
your
hard
work
and
what
you've
done
and
for
the
rest
of
you,
valedictorians
S
Kennedy
at
redsox.com.
G
We've
got
an
amazing
team
of
people
here
that
would
love
to
provide
support
in
any
way
we
can.
The
city
is
just
the
place
to
be.
We
want
you
here
and
we
want
you
to
have
opportunity
in
Boston.
So
if
I
or
anyone
on
our
team
can
help
you
finding
summer
jobs
connecting
you
with
people,
we
would
be
honored
to
do
it
and
it
would
be
just
our
privilege
to
do
it.
G
So
look
I
want
to
wrap
up
by
saying
we
have
a
small
graduation
present
for
you
on
behalf
of
the
mayor
on
behalf
of
Boston
public
schools.
On
behalf
of
my
bosses,
John
and
Linda
Henry,
the
owners
of
the
Boston
Red
Sox
when
you
came
in
you
had
a
packet
of
information.
If
you
could
open
that
up,
I
think
there's
an
envelope
in
there
I
hope.
Yes,
I
see
some
envelopes
go
ahead
and
open
those
up,
you're,
going
to
see
four
tickets
to
a
Red,
Sox
game
for
you
and
your
family
or
friends
to
come.
G
G
Please.
We
need
you
in
Red,
Sox
Nation!
This
is
your
ballpark.
This
is
your
hometown
team.
We
want
you
to
support
the
Red
Sox,
no
matter
where
you
go
in
life.
Please
know
the
Red
Sox
are
your
team
and
we're
so
proud
to
host
you
here
at
Fenway
Park
today,
thank
you
and
congratulations
turn
it
back
to
Crystal.
Thank
you.
B
All
righty,
thank
you
so
much
Sam.
What
an
amazing
gift
right
to
all
of
these
deserving
students
all
right
now,
it's
time
to
get
down
to
business
and
here's
how
it's
going
to
work
so
listen
closely.
In
a
moment,
I'm
going
to
begin
calling
up
the
students
now
students,
you
will
be
called
up
in
alphabetical
order
by
school,
from
ACC
to
Tech
Boston.
B
So
when
I
call
your
name
step
forward
to
collect
your
citation
and
have
your
picture
taken
with
mayor
Wu,
chair,
Robinson
and
superintendent
skipper
after
your
photo
is
taken,
go
back
to
your
table
at
the
end
of
the
program,
everybody's
gonna
come
up
and
join
us
outside
on
the
balcony,
for
a
group
photo
overlooking
the
ball
field.
So
please
stick
around.
You
will
not
want
to
miss
that
photo.
B
B
All
right
from
another
course
to
college
Nora
to
Ray
Nora
was
born
in
Boston,
but
raised
in
Italy
until
her
high
school
years,
she's
been
very
active
at
ACC,
serving
as
a
representative
on
the
Boston
student
advisory
Council
and
a
president
of
the
National
Honor
Society.
This
stem
loving
student
will
do
a
summer
internship
at
Raytheon,
Technologies
before
heading
to
Emory
University,
where
she
has
earned
a
full
ride.
Scholarship.
B
Now,
from
Boston
Arts
Academy
is
Arya.
Patel
Arya
is
a
dance
major
at
baa,
where
she
is
always
striving
for
continuous
Improvement.
She
participated
in
seven
dual
enrollment
programs
and
serves
on
the
mayor's
Council
Arya
has
a
passion
for
fashion
and
dreams
of
launching
her
own
Indian
bridal.
Wear
company
infusing
her
Heritage
into
her
designs.
Her
next
move
is
Northeastern
University,
where
she
has
earned
a
full
scholarship,
Take,
a
Bow
Aria.
B
Next,
up
from
Boston
Community
Leadership
Academy
is
ryza
Mendoza
originally
from
the
Dominican
Republic
Risa
has
found
a
home
at
bcla,
where
she
is
known
for
her
incredible
work
ethic.
She
has
challenged
herself
with
ap
and
dual
enrollment
coursework,
as
well
as
a
star
Athlete
on
the
soccer
field.
Ryza
is
headed
to
Boston
University,
where
she
has
scored
a
full
scholarship.
B
From
Boston
day
and
evening,
Academy
is
Kayla.
Quinlan
Kayla
is
a
scholar
and
an
advocate
pushing
for
more
inclusive
curriculum
in
BPS
schools,
promoting
lgbtq
plus
equity
and
supporting
the
health
of
Boston
citizens
as
a
co-director
for
the
mayor's
youth
councils
on
a
public
health
committee.
As
a
biomedical
scholar
at
MIT,
she
will
spend
this
summer
researching
Alzheimer's
disease
before
continuing
her
studies
as
a
neuroscience
major
at
Wellesley
College.
Let's
hear
it
for
Kayla.
B
From
Boston
green
Academy
is
Michael
chowdry
now
Michael
has
been
an
active
student
at
BGA
completing
on
competing
rather
on
the
debate
team
and
taking
part
in
the
pic's
geospatial
mapping
program.
He
recently
completed
an
internship
with
the
BPS
Department
of
capital
planning,
where
he
supported
Community
engagement
for
the
green
New
Deal
Michael
will
attend
Wentworth
Institute
of
Technology,
where
he
plans
to
major
in
civil
engineering
well
done.
Michael.
B
From
Boston
International
High
School
is
Shania,
Bay,
Luz
and
originally
from
Haiti
Shania
views
education
as
a
way
of
honoring
her
family.
She
has
truly
embraced
the
many
opportunities
the
high
school
has
to
offer
serving
as
a
student
government
secretary
captain
of
her
soccer
team
member
of
the
softball
team
and
a
leader
with
the
Haitian
student
Club
she's,
also
a
talented
artist
and
this
fall
Shania
will
attend
Center
College
as
a
posse
scholar.
B
First,
please
welcome
Elizabeth
Choi
in
addition
to
maintaining
an
astronomically
high
GPA
Elizabeth
has
been
deeply
involved
in
the
BLS
Community
as
the
editor-in-chief
of
the
school
newspaper,
president
of
the
movie
and
German
clubs,
and
a
rower
on
the
varsity
crew
team.
She
also
serves
on
the
mayor's
youth
Council
and
writes
for
teens
in
print.
This
busy
young
woman
will
begin
her
next
chapter
at
Harvard
College.
Congratulations.
B
Also
from
Boston
a
Latin
School,
please
welcome
Mira,
you
Mira
is
a
dynamic
Force
at
BLS
participating
in
speech
and
debate,
mock
trials,
swimming
school
Publications
and
student
council
just
to
name
a
few.
She
has
served
on
the
mayor's
youth
Council
and
interned
at
the
Edward
M
Kennedy
Institute,
the
Supreme
Judicial
Court,
and,
most
recently
at
the
office
of
Boston
City
councilor,
Ruth
Z,
illusion
Louisiana
and
this
fall
Mira
is
headed
to
where
else
Harvard
College.
B
So
from
Brighton
High
School,
please
welcome
back
our
student
speaker,
Kevin
guadardo
in
the
four
years
since
he
moved
from
Honduras
Kevin
has
fully
embraced
his
new
life
here
in
the
U.S
he's
a
member
of
the
boys,
varsity
soccer
team,
captain
of
the
debate,
team
and
student
body
president
next
fall.
Kevin
will
be
attending
Wesleyan
a
university
on
a
full
scholarship
where
he'll
be
majoring
in
government.
He
hopes
to
attend
law
school
as
he
told
you
and
become
an
immigration
lawyer.
Let's
hear
it
one
more
time
for
Kevin.
B
And
from
the
Jeremiah
Burke
High
School
Alicia
Rose
Alicia
loves
the
tight-knit
community.
She
is
found
at
the
bark
where
strong
relationships
are
built
between
teachers
and
students.
She
has
maintained
High
honors
throughout
all
four
years
of
high
school,
all
while
playing
varsity
volleyball
serving
as
a
mental
health
Ambassador
and
a
manager
of
the
dance
team
Alicia
will
attend.
Union
College
as
a
posse
scholar.
B
And
from
Charlestown
High
School
we
have
Young
D
Wu
Wong
yumdi
moved
to
the
U.S
from
a
small
city
in
China.
Just
four
years
ago.
He
has
found
a
second
home
in
Charlestown
High
School,
where
he
describes
his
teachers
as
both
friends
and
Advocates.
Yangdi
holds
a
deep
passion
for
Chinese
culture
and
hopes
to
create
a
website
that
will
showcase
the
rich
history
and
the
traditions
of
Chinese
culture,
fostering
a
greater
understanding
among
Global
audiences
Young
D
will
continue
his
journey
at
Northeastern
University,
where
he
plans
to
study
Computer,
Science
and
Mathematics
well
done.
B
From
Community
Academy
is
Kayla
Kennedy
Kayla
lives
in
Dorchester,
with
her
mom
and
grandma,
who
have
supported
her
dreams.
Kayla's
guidance
counselor
describes
her
as
powerful,
creative,
hard-working
and
kind.
She
aspires
to
become
a
social
worker
so
that
she
can
give
back
to
the
people
who
need
someone
to
understand
their
situations
and
improve
their
lives.
This
inspiring
young
woman
will
attend
Curry
College,
where
she
has
earned
a
full
scholarship
way
to
go.
Kayla.
B
And
from
the
Community
Academy
of
Science
and
health,
also
known
as
cash,
please
welcome
Malaika
Allen
Malaika
was
raised
in
a
small
rural
town
in
Jamaica,
where
life
sometimes
feels
like
survival
of
the
fittest.
She
says
she
left
a
small
place
to
accomplish
big
things.
She
views
education
in
the
U.S
as
an
opportunity
to
make
her
proud
her
family,
proud
and
pursue
her
dream
of
becoming
a
pediatric
surgeon.
B
B
And
from
Dearborn
STEM
Academy
is
Aisha.
Muhammad
Aisha
hails
from
Roxbury,
where
she
is
the
middle
of
eight
children.
Her
parents
came
to
the
U.S
to
provide
their
children
with
more
opportunities
and
Aisha
is
a
role
model
at
school
as
well
as
at
home.
She
loves
a
challenge
and
has
completed
10
college
courses
at
Wentworth
and
Bunker
Hill.
Since
her
sophomore
year.
B
B
B
B
And
from
the
English
High
School
is
Kalyn
McInnis
all
right,
I
always
said:
I'd,
be
that
Mom.
When
my
son
graduates,
just
the
last
one
in
the
room,
I
love
it
all
right.
Caitlyn
is
highly
motivated
young
woman
who
has
challenged
herself
in
taking
AP
courses
playing
soccer
and
is
a
member
of
the
debate
team.
She
hopes
to
study
pre-med
and
become
a
neurosurgeon.
This
fall
Caitlin
will
continue
to
challenge
herself
as
a
student
at
UMass
Amherst.
B
Thank
you
and
from
Excel
High
School
is
Corbin
Wynn
all
right
now,
now's
the
competition
Corbin
has
spent
his
entire
K-12
academic
career
in
BPS.
His
guidance
counselor
describes
him
as
determined
Dependable
kind
and
one
of
the
most
likable
individuals
you
will
ever
meet
this
gifted
and
humble
young
man
is
headed
to
Northeastern
University
on
a
full
ride.
Scholarship
way
to
go
Corbin.
B
And
from
Fenway
High
School
is
jakayla,
fur
jakayla
was
born
and
raised
in
Boston
growing
up.
She
faced
her
fear
of
challenges
and
she
found
joy
and
poetry
and
decided
to
focus
on
her
studies
as
a
way
of
coping.
She
joined
a
program
called
grow
where
she
was
able
to
surround
herself
with
other
young
women
of
color
and
help
build
each
other
up.
This
fall
jakayla
will
attend
Northeastern
University
as
a
nursing
major
with
the
hopes
of
changing
the
world.
Let's
hear
it
for
this
remarkable
young
woman.
B
B
F
B
Okay,
I,
don't
know
if
I'm,
right
or
I
don't
know
if
it's
a
joke,
but
here
we
go
okay,
this
young
man
here
he
was
born
and
raised
in
East
Boston
and
spent
his
entire
K-12
academic
career
in
BPS.
When
he's
not
busy
studying,
he
loves
to
play.
The
guitar
and
jadir
is
still
deciding
his
plans
for
next
year,
but
would
like
to
pursue
a
bachelor's
degree
in
engineering.
Congratulations
to
him.
B
B
Perfect,
a
native
of
Boston
Muna
has
been
a
member
of
the
Horace
Mann
school
Community
since
the
age
of
three.
She
has
a
strong
pride
in
her
deaf
identity
and
has
held
many
different
leadership
roles
inside
and
outside
of
school.
You
know
this
fall.
Muna
will
attend
the
gallaudet
University
in
Washington
D.C,
the
only
deaf
university
in
the
world.
B
B
From
the
Edward
M
Kennedy
Academy
for
health
careers,
we
have
Emmeline,
boru
and
Emeline
Emmeline
excuse
me.
Emmeline
was
born
in
Haiti
and
moved
to
the
U.S
in
2015..
Initially,
she
struggled
with
English
and
actually
refused
to
speak
in
class
in
high
school.
She
started
to
push
a
shelf
by
joining
the
National
Honor
Society,
the
student
and
the
student
council,
where
she
could
share
her
voice
with
others.
Within
a
small
group.
B
And
from
the
merry
aliden
pilot
High
School
is
Janaya.
Baptiste
Janaya
is
a
Roslindale
resident
with
a
proud
Caribbean
Heritage.
She
has
been
a
student
leader
at
Mary.
Lyon.
Excuse
me
participating
in
debate
and
environmental
projects.
She
aspires
to
become
a
lawyer,
giving
a
voice
for
those
who
did
not
have
a
chance
to
speak.
Janaya
will
continue
her
studies
at
Johns,
Hopkins
University,
where
she
will
be
the
first
in
her
family
to
attend
college
good
job.
B
There
we
go
from
Madison
Park
Technical
vocational
High
School
is
Lord
Gina
Lu.
We
Louie
this
young
lady
immigrated
to
the
U.S
from
Haiti
when
she
was
just
12
years
old,
Madison
Park's
medical
assistant
program
has
provided
her
with
the
skills
to
gain
a
job
as
a
medical
assistant
at
Boston,
Medical,
Center,
so
she's
already
working
y'all.
She
is
also
enrolled
in
the
Rocks
map
early
college
program,
taking
college
classes
at
Bunker,
Hill
Community
College.
Now,
when
Lord
lordina
lordina
graduates
in
June,
she
will
have
earned
44
transferable
college
credits.
B
B
All
right
and
from
the
McKinley
schools
soon
to
be
the
Mel
King
South
End
Academy,
please
welcome
Kevin
Works
born
and
raised
in
Dorchester
Kevin
is
determined
to
overcome
life
struggles
by
becoming
his
best
self
Annie
looks
sharp.
Look
at
that
he's
been
on
the
Dean's
List
all
four
years
of
high
school
he's
a
member
of
the
student
council
and
the
student,
the
student
member
appointed
to
the
Mel
H
King
working
group.
In
his
spare
time,
Kevin
enjoys
making
music
in
the
studio
at
school,
building,
computers
and
spending
time
at
the
Kapolei
Library.
B
B
And
from
the
margarita
Nunez
Academy
is
Jocelyn.
Jesslyn
Fernandez
raised
by
Dominica
Paris
jesslyn
has
spent
his
entire
K-12
academic
career
in
her
entire
in
BPS.
Now
she
strives
to
be
a
positive
role
model
for
her
siblings.
Her
family
is
beaming
with
pride
today,
because
Jocelyn
has
earned
a
full
scholarship
to
Northeastern
University.
B
B
B
And
from
the
John
D
O'brien
School
of
mathematics
and
science
is
Joseph,
Leo
Doherty
Joe
he
lives
in
Brighton
has
spent
his
entire
K-12
academic
career
in
BPS.
He
describes
himself
as
a
foodie
enjoys
golfing
and
is
a
huge
Bruins
fans,
our
condolences
to
you
Joe.
He
is
passionate
about
math
and
physics
and
plans
on
majoring
in
them
both
at
Northeastern
University,
where
he's
also
scored
a
full
scholarship.
B
All
right
from
the
Josiah
Quincy
upper
school
is,
and
originally
from
China
huay
Yen
has
taken
full
advantage
of
everything
at
the
Quincy
upper
school
has
to
offer
a
candidate
for
the
international
Baccalaureate
diploma.
She
actually
managed
to
balance
her
academics
with
an
extensive
list
of
extracurricular
activities,
including
the
student
body
Association.
So,
as
you
can
see,
way
is
unable
to
attend
today.
So
accepting
on
on
their
behalf
is
the
score
School
leader,
Richard
Chang.
There
you
go.
B
And
from
the
Muriel
snoden
international
school
at
Copley
is
Rosemary.
Martinez
Rosemary
grew
up
in
a
close-knit
family
in
Charlestown
and
appreciates
how
hard
her
parents
have
worked
to
provide
the
opportunities
for
her
and
her
three
sisters,
a
candidate
for
the
international
Baccalaureate
diploma.
She
has
been
offered
a
full
scholarship
to
attend
Northeastern
University,
where
she
plans
to
room
with
her
best
friend,
who
happens
to
be
salutatorium.
B
B
It's
cheering
crowd
here
too,
originally
from
Indonesia
Ferdinand
is
always
striving
to
challenge
himself
with
a
rigorous
course
load
that
includes
honors
and
AP
classes.
In
his
freshman
year
of
high
school,
he
joined
the
college
prep
program,
Upward
Bound
and
a
in
my
junior
year.
He
was
taking
college
courses
through
his
school's
dual
enrollment
program
with
strong
work,
ethic
and
motivation.
Ferdinand
is
poised
for
success,
as
he
continues
his
studies,
where
else
Northeastern
University
all
right,
ladies
and
gentlemen,
and
forgiving
friends
and
family
as
I
mispronounced
names.