Research

The RoxMAPP Early College program enables Madison Park students to earn college credits while still in high school, accelerating their path to college and career success.

Madison Park Technical Vocational High School Celebrates Early College Program with Record Number of Students Earning Associate Degree

Boston, MA - June 4, 2025 - Madison Park Technical Vocational High School is proud to announce and celebrate the outstanding achievements of its RoxMAPP Early College students who earned their associate degree from Bunker Hill Community College on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Throughout the course of the program, these remarkable students demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence while completing rigorous vocational training and college-level coursework simultaneously. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power of determination, focus, and the transformative opportunities made possible through Madison Park's RoxMAPP Early College program.

Please join us in congratulating the following graduates:

Cesar Pena Chicas – Electricity
Abu Sayem – Electricity
Matthias Kebede – Marketing
Beautiful Smith – Auto Technology
Mia Melo – Health Assisting
Kayla Saint Felix – Health Assisting
Naphtkie Desrosiers – Dental Assisting

This brings the total number of RoxMAPP Early College graduates in 2025 to 23, a record-setting achievement for Madison Park and a powerful example of what is possible when students are equipped with the right tools, guidance, and support.

“We are incredibly proud of these students,” said Mr. Paul Neal, Head of School at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. “Earning a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time is no small feat. These young scholars have shown what is possible when opportunity meets preparation.”

"The RoxMAPP Early College program at Madison Park is truly transformative,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “It provides students with an invaluable head start on their post-secondary education, equipping them with both academic knowledge and practical career skills. This integrated approach not only reduces the financial burden of college but also ensures our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for the workforce or continued higher education."

The RoxMAPP Early College program enables Madison Park students to earn college credits while still in high school, accelerating their path to college and career success. This milestone not only reflects their hard work but also the power of partnerships between Boston Public Schools and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) to expand access and equity in higher education.

“This program is about access, equity, and belief in our students’ potential,” said Taneka DeGrace, Assistant Head of School at Madison Park and RoxMAPP Program Director. “Our RoxMAPP scholars have embraced the challenge, shown resilience, and earned degrees that will shape their future. They are walking proof that early college works and we’re just getting started.”

“It’s an extreme honor to work with Ms. Taneka DeGrace and her RoxMAPP Early College Program at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School to create opportunities for students to earn college-level credits and potentially an associate degree prior to graduating high school,” said Steve Prudent, Director of High School Partnerships & Pathways at BHCC. “The College is excited to welcome another group of Madison Park Early College scholars to BHCC’s community of graduates. Their success speaks volumes about their focus and determination to achieve at a high level.”

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About Madison Park Technical Vocational High School

Madison Park Technical Vocational High School is the only vocational high school in the Boston Public Schools district. It offers students a robust education that integrates academic rigor with technical training, preparing graduates for success in both college and their careers.

About the RoxMAPP Program

Designated as an Early College High School in 2019, RoxMAPP is a partnership between Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) and Madison Park Technical Vocational High School (MPTVHS). The program offers students free, BHCC-transferable college courses beginning as early as 9th grade. These classes count toward both high school graduation and college credit, allowing students to earn an Associate's Degree from BHCC by the time they graduate from high school.

Boston Public Schools Students Shine at Annual Citywide Arts Festival

Students from across 23 schools come together for celebration of Visual and Performing Arts.

Boston Public Schools Educators Honored at Annual DESE Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching

BPS Educators Luisa Sparrow, Maya Smith, Sugeily Santos, and Emily Silas honored at annual DESE Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching

Boston Public Schools Educators Honored at
Annual DESE Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching

BPS Educators Luisa Sparrow, Maya Smith, Sugeily Santos, and Emily Silas honored at annual DESE Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching

This week, four Boston Public Schools (BPS) educators were honored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for their hard work and dedication to supporting our students.

The following BPS Educators were honored for going above and beyond in support of their students, as well as for the power of the examples that they set for their students and their school communities:

Luisa Sparrow, Perry K-8 School Teacher and 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.
Maya Smith, Fenway High School Associate Head of School and 2025 Massachusetts Assistant Principal of the Year.
Sugeily Santos, Curley K-8 School Counselor and the 2025 Massachusetts School Counselor of the Year.
Emily Silas, English High School History Teacher and Finalist for Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year.

Earlier this year, Luisa Sparrow was recognized as the 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year in a celebration with Governor Maura Healey, Mayor Michelle Wu, Superintendent Skipper, and leaders from across the city and state. Ms. Sparrow was recognized by the state for her work to create an affirming environment where students engage in deeper learning and are held to high expectations with targeted support, and how she is able to build strong relationships with students, families, and the larger school and district community.

Sugeily Santos was also honored as the 2024-2025 BPS School Counselor of the Year, in addition to being named as the 2025 Massachusetts School Counselor of the Year. Ms. Santos sets a standard of excellence through her inspirational leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to students. This recognition highlights her counseling skills, professionalism, and admiration from students, parents, colleagues, and the entire Curley K-8 School community.

In February, the Massachusetts School Administrators Association (MSAA) recognized Maya Smith, the Associate Head of School at Fenway High School, as the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year. Ms. Smith was honored during Fenway’s Black History Month Assembly held on Friday, February 14th. The Assembly featured performances and presentations from students, Fenway alumni as well as the presentation of the Assistant Principal of the Year award to Ms. Smith.

Emily Silas is currently a Teacher at English High School in Jamaica Plain. Ms. Silas has been a dedicated high school history teacher in BPS who has developed and implemented rigorous, responsive, and relevant curriculum through collaborations with organizations such as the Boston Debate League, GBH, Facing History and Ourselves and the Massachusetts Bar Association. . She is passionate about providing opportunities for students to develop ethical reasoning and advocacy skills through their study of history, government, and politics. Ms. Silas was nominated by GBH for 2024 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year, after serving as an Education Ambassador for the network.

Congratulations to all those who were honored at the ceremony! We are so proud of all of the work that you all do to support our students, families, and school communities.

Photo Credit: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

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Madison Park Technical Vocational High School Celebrates Early College Program with Record Number of Students Earning Associate Degree

About Madison Park Technical Vocational High School

About the RoxMAPP Program

Boston Public Schools Educators Honored at
Annual DESE Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching

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