Mayor Menino, School Committee and Superintendent Payzant honor 28 BPS Valedictorians

Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Boston School Committee Chair Elizabeth G. Reilinger and Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant co-hosted a ceremony on June 5 to honor 28 Boston Public Schools students who were selected valedictorian of their graduating class.

More than 200 people attended the luncheon at the Boston Tremont Hotel. The 2nd annual event was co-sponsored by Reebok, Harvard University, and other partners. Each valedictorian received a Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary from Harcourt, Inc., as well as athletic gear from Reebok and other gifts.

"Today we're proud to honor the top students from every public high school in the City of Boston," said Mayor Menino. "I look around this room and see what school reform is all about - young people getting the education they need to go on to good colleges and good jobs. You've all worked very hard to be here today, and we salute you."

Dr. Reilinger said, "These 28 valedictorians demonstrate that our students can meet the challenge of higher standards. With the MCAS and other high stakes requirements, we're asking our students to work harder than ever before. These young people - and others like them throughout the city - are proving that they have the skills and the discipline to succeed."

Superintendent Payzant noted that in 1998, these students were among the first to take the 10th grade MCAS exam. He added, "This celebration is a tribute to the valedictorians, their fellow graduates, and everyone who helps our students excel. Today, we congratulate not only these honorees and their classmates but also their teachers, headmasters and families for believing in them and supporting them along the way."

Jose Peraza of the South End, the top graduate of the Class of 2000 at Fenway High School (a Boston pilot school), spoke on behalf of the honorees. "I worked so hard for this day, but I never thought it would come so soon," he said. "The years at Fenway seem to have sped by, and the experiences there have prepared me to confront the world with my head held high." Mr. Peraza will attend Wheaton College in the fall.

WBZ-TV News Anchor Virginia Cha served as guest host of the program, which also included a performance by the Boston Police Department's singing group Voices In Blue. Students were joined at the event by their headmaster and family members, as well as elected officials, business and community partners, and other guests.

The first Valedictorians Luncheon was held last year at the City's Parkman House. Its success enabled the luncheon to become an annual event and a fundraiser for the City of Boston Scholarship Fund, which has provided more than $200,000 in financial assistance to Boston residents attending college in Massachusetts.

Boston Public Schools Class of 2000 Valedictorians

Another Course to College:
Molly Duggan

Boston Evening Academy:
Pebely Vargas

Boston High School:
Alma Beatrice Ake

Boston Adult Technical Academy:
Ralph Francois

Boston Latin Academy:
Feng Xing Luo

Boston Latin School:
Margaret Emily Winikates

Brighton High School:
Tin Mai

Jeremiah E. Burke High School:
(co-valedictorians)
Turusma Garner and
Valkiria Timas

Charlestown High School:
Tejwattie Balgobin

Community Academy:
Meloney Carter

Dorchester High School:
Wesley Benjamin

East Boston High School:
Jason W. Deramo

The English High School:
(co-valedictorians)
Marlenny L. Anziani and
Albi Selko

Fenway High School:
Jose Peraza

Greater Egleston Community High School:
Yadira Alvarado

Health Careers Academy:
Mary Hanna

Horace Mann School for the Deaf:
Keith Lewis

Hyde Park High School:
Ralph Jaboin

Madison Park Vocational/Technical High School:
Shauntel Hampton

McKinley Technical High School:
Elizabeth Loewen

McKinley Vocational High School:
Gary Bond

New Mission High School:
Ginette Saimprevil

John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science:
Kim Brittany Nguyen

Snowden International High School:
Shakira E. MacLyons

South Boston High School:
Marie Jo Felix

West Roxbury High School:
Zareen Amber