Officials honor BPS valedictorians

Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Boston School Committee Chair Elizabeth G. Reilinger and Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant co-hosted a ceremony on June 4 to honor 29 Boston Public Schools students who were selected valedictorian of their graduating class.

More than 200 people attended the luncheon at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The 3rd 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.

Mayor Menino noted that the ceremony honors not only the valedictorians but all of the students in the Boston Public Schools who are meeting the challenge of higher standards. "Each of you has shown tremendous leadership by working hard throughout high school," Mayor Menino told the graduates. "Even when it was tough, you continued to study and succeed. I commend all of you on this great achievement."

Dr. Reilinger said, "With the MCAS and other high stakes requirements, we're asking our students to work harder than ever before. These 29 young people - and thousands of others throughout the city - are proving that they have the skills and the discipline to build a bright future."

Superintendent Payzant 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."

Karane Williams of Hyde Park, the top graduate of the Class of 2001 at West Roxbury High School, spoke on behalf of the honorees. "Looking back now, I can't believe how much has changed and the transformation that both the school and I have gone through," she said. "Through it all, I have worked hard to achieve my goals, as I'm sure everyone in this room has." Ms. Williams will attend Georgetown University in the fall.

WCVB-TV News Anchor and Reporter Rhondella Richardson served as guest host of the program. 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 in 1999 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 $300,000 in financial assistance to Boston residents attending college in Massachusetts.

Boston Public Schools
Class of 2001Valedictorians