12th annual Valedictorians Luncheon celebrates Boston’s best and brightest
Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Boston School Committee Chair Rev. Gregory G. Groover, Sr., Superintendent Carol R. Johnson, Headmasters and proud family members Wednesday honored 36 valedictorians of the Class of 2010 from the Boston Public Schools.
The Boston Harbor Hotel hosted a luncheon for the students and their families, marking the 12th year that Boston has held a celebration for the top graduate of every Boston public high school. FOX 25 Anchor Maria Stephanos welcomed the guests, including members of the Boston School Committee, elected officials, community leaders and representatives from several local colleges and universities, along with school administrators and teachers.
“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of this diverse group of young people,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “They represent the best of what the Boston Public Schools has to offer and we wish them well as they start college this fall and embark on the next exciting stage of their academic careers.”
The 36 students come from neighborhoods across the City of Boston. Many of these students have overcome poverty, language barriers, and other challenges to finish high school at the head of their class and go on to college at some of the nation’s top universities, including MIT, SmithCollege, BostonCollege, and BostonUniversity. Seventeen of the students were born outside of the United States, hailing from countries as diverse as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, China, Bangladesh, Albania, Ethiopia and Nigeria.
In his remarks, Rev. Groover highlighted the important role supportive adults played in the success of the students.
“We also congratulate all of the adults who supported these students along the way – their families, teachers, guidance counselors, headmasters, and many business and community partners,” said Rev. Groover. “Each and every one of you is making Boston a stronger city by investing in the education of our young people. It’s so important for students to have the support of their families and communities in order for them to be successful, and we are grateful for your commitment.”
Dr. Johnson praised the valedictorians for their hard work, persistence and commitment to excellence.
“This is also a story about you, the valedictorians, and your choosing enthusiasm over apathy; your choosing education over ignorance; your choice of excellence over mediocrity; your choice of doing your best over just getting by; your determined persistence over giving up,” said Dr. Johnson. “You are best in show, first in class over thousands and thousands of students across the city of Boston. Today we celebrate and salute you.”
Kwame Adams of Mattapan, the valedictorian from the EdwardM.KennedyAcademy for Health Careers, spoke to the attendees about his path to graduation. Kwame started his BPS career at the P.A.ShawElementary School and attended the MildredAvenueMiddle School before attending EdwardM.KennedyAcademy for Health Careers, where he was able to explore his interest in the medical profession through internships and programs at local hospitals.
Reebok International and SimmonsCollege were the lead sponsors, with additional support provided by other partners. Each valedictorian received a backpack from Reebok containing a leather portfolio and a $50 Reebok gift card.
