BPS Celebrates Superintendent Mary Skipper as 2026 Pinnacle Award Honoree

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women's Network selected Superintendent Mary Skipper as one of the 2026 Pinnacle Awards honorees.

Boston Public Schools Celebrates Superintendent Mary Skipper as 2026 Pinnacle Award Honoree

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 5, 2025 -The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women's Network selected Superintendent Mary Skipper as one of the 2026 Pinnacle Awards honorees for Achievement in Management – Government. The annual Pinnacle Awards are one of the region's highest professional distinctions for women leaders, recognizing their achievements in business, government, and management. This prestigious award recognizes Superintendent Skipper's leadership and her commitment to building a stronger, more equitable school district for Boston's students, families, and educators.

"It is an honor to be recognized alongside so many remarkable women leaders who are shaping the future of our region," said Superintendent Mary Skipper. "It takes a village to support our school communities and this award reflects the dedication of our educators, staff, families, and partners who work every day to uplift our students. Boston's youth deserve the very best and I am proud to lead a district of talented leaders and educators who are deeply committed to their success."

Since her selection by the Boston School Committee in 2022, Superintendent Skipper has championed transformative initiatives to modernize school facilities, expand multilingual education, strengthen pathways from school to career, and ensure that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment.

Superintendent Sipper will be recognized at the 2026 Pinnacle Awards Ceremony on January 30, 2026, where more than 1,200 business, civic, and community leaders will gather to celebrate this year's honorees.

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About Boston Public Schools

The Boston Public Schools (BPS), the birthplace of public education in the United States, serves more than 48,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 121 schools. BPS is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary

teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life.

About the Chamber’s Women’s Network

In the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Network, there is a diverse group of more than 3,000 women and male allies at all levels of their careers, from all backgrounds, sectors, and industries, and professions, with the collective mission to make Greater Boston the best place for professional women to thrive. For 30 years, the Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all backgrounds and career levels. The Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women.

About the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is the convener, voice, and advocate of the region’s business community, committed to making Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. We help our members and Greater Boston succeed by convening and connecting the business community; researching, developing and advocating for public policies that contribute to our region’s economic success; and providing comprehensive learning and development programs designed to grow strong business and civic leaders. Learn more at BostonChamber.com.

Kennedy Academy for Health Careers

The Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) is a college-preparatory high school focused on health careers. Our school offers students rigorous academics and hands-on healthcare experiences in partnership with Mass General Brigham and a $38 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Unique Features

EMK uniquely focuses on preparing students for careers in the healthcare field. Through a specialized curriculum that integrates health careers with college-preparatory academics, students gain hands-on experience, internships, and exposure to real-world medical professions.

Before and After School Programs

After School

The EMK–Mass General Brigham partnership explicitly includes “after-school placements” (in addition to summer placements) as part of the the work-based learning opportunities for students. Beginning after grade 9, students may participate in paid after-school internships related to health careers.

Clinical practice / pathway immersion (twice weekly beginning grade 11) program includes progressive clinical practice placements that may extend beyond typical class time.

EMK also operates an after-school program (Tuesday–Thursday afternoons) for academic support (tutors and mentors) for students in grades 9–12."

Before School

Breakfast is served at 7:30am

Sports

We have girls' and boys' basketball teams, as well as competitive outdoor track, boys' baseball, girls' softball teams, cheerleading and step teams.

We also partner with Brighton High for football, indoor track, volleyball, and soccer.

Extracurriculars

Our school has a strong Debate Team – across grade levels - with outstanding results in debate competitions.

Additional extracurricular clubs include Art Club, Boys to Men Club, Young Women's Club, Chess Club, Drama Club, Gender & Sexualities Alliance (GSA), Jubilee Performance, Martial Arts, Music Club, National Honor Society, Prom, Science/Engineering Club, Spoken Word Poetry Club, Student Council, and Yearbook, with opportunities for students to start new clubs!

Additional Information

Early College Enrollment

CTE Pathways

Advanced Placement

Partners

In January 2024, a formal partnership was announced between BPS/City of Boston, EMK, Mass General Brigham (MGB), and Bloomberg Philanthropies to “transform and expand” EMK as a health-career high school. This initiative is anchored by a $38 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies — the largest philanthropic investment in Boston Public Schools’ history. The vision is to make EMK a national model for career-connected learning in health care, by embedding real work experience, clinical learning, and strong alignment with a major healthcare system.

https://www.partnerbps.org/

Special Admission School

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Uniform Policy

Specialized Education Programs

Family Engagement Opportunities

All parents/guardians are welcome to join the Parent Council, which is linked to the school’s governing structure: a member serves on the EMK Governing Board of Trustees. EMK hosts quarterly Parent/Teacher Meetings to strengthen communication and involvement. The school has a Family Liaison (Ms. Sinddy DeJesus) whose role includes outreach to families, communication, and facilitating engagement.