Boston's 38 Valedictorians Honored By Superintendent and Mayor

The 38 valedictorians of Boston Public Schools were honored on Tuesday with a special luncheon with their families. 

Joining the students were Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston School Committee Chair Rev. Dr. Gregory Groover, Sr., Superintendent Carol Johnson, and headmasters.
 
The Boston Harbor Hotel hosted the luncheon, which is the 13th year Boston has held a celebration for the top graduate of every Boston public high school.

Channel 5's Anchor Liz Brunner emceed, 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. 
 
“These students are some of Boston’s best and brightest,” said Menino. “This is one of the events I’m most proud of in our city. Each of these students has a story to tell and they are now embarking on the next chapter of their lives. I know they will represent Boston well wherever they choose to go from here.”
 
Always interesting is to see where the valedictorians reside and where they've come from. This year's 38 students come from neighborhoods all across Boston. Many of the 38 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. Harvard University, Stanford University, Wellesley College, and Boston University - are just some of the prestigious schools they will attend.

Seventeen of the students were born outside of the United States, coming from countries as diverse as Afghanistan, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Albania, Senegal, and Vietnam, according to BPS officials. 

“These valedictorians have worked tirelessly and overcome tremendous obstacles to reach the height of academic success,” said Groover. “They have earned the admiration of their classmates, teachers, administrators, and community. We take great pride in honoring their achievements and thank the adults who have supported them along the way."
 
“We honor and salute these students today for choosing education over ignorance; excellence over mediocrity; doing the best over just getting by; and their determined persistence over giving up,” said Johnson. “The world is waiting for their influence and we are in awe of their promise.”
 
Fatoumata Bah, the valedictorian for English High School in Jamaica Plain, served as the student speaker and shared the story of her inspirational journey from West Africa to an American high school.