Date: 2012-05-29
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Mayor Thomas M. Menino, members of the Boston School Committee, Superintendent Carol R. Johnson, Headmasters and proud family members honored 34 valedictorians of the Class of 2012 from the Boston Public Schools Tuesday.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Mayor Thomas M. Menino, members of the Boston School Committee, Superintendent Carol R. Johnson, Headmasters and proud family members honored 34 valedictorians of the Class of 2012 from the Boston Public Schools Tuesday.
The Boston Harbor Hotel hosted a luncheon for the students and their families, marking the 14th year Boston has held a celebration for the top graduate of every Boston public high school. NewsCenter 5 Anchor Liz Brunner served as the event emcee, introducing members of the Boston School Committee, elected officials, community leaders and representatives from several local colleges and universities, along with school administrators and teachers.
“There are great things happening in the Boston Public Schools and these students are fine examples of that,” said Mayor Menino. “Each year I grow even more impressed by this elite group of students. These students have great potential and are proud examples of the best Boston has to offer.”
The 34 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 Harvard University, Holy Cross, Smith College, and Boston University. Fifteen of the students were born outside of the United States, hailing from countries as diverse as Albania, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Morocco, Nigeria, and Malaysia.
“These students serve as an inspiration to us all,” said Rev. Groover. “We are proud of their achievements and salute the adults that supported them to make it a reality.”
“These students are helping to set the record straight,” said Dr. Johnson. “There are those that will say urban public education doesn’t, and can’t, work. These students shatter that perception and will proudly demonstrate that to the world with every step they take from this day forward.”
Kisaira Cabrera, the valedictorian from Boston International High School, served as the student speaker and shared the story of her inspirational journey from Dominican Republic to Boston. Just three years ago she arrived in the city not speaking any English and is now graduating at the top of her class. This fall she plans on attending Regis College.
Reebok International and Simmons College 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.