By John Lynds

A lot of kindergartners and their parents were shooting for perfect attendance last school year for the chance to win some college scholarship money.

However, only one lucky Eastie kindergartner won the $5,000 college scholarship prize that is made possible through a partnership between East Boston Main Streets (EBMS) and Airmall.

Last Thursday at the East Boston Social Centers, EBMS Director Max Gruner and Airmall representatives joined Rep. Adrian Madaro to pull the name of the lucky winner of the scholarship during the annual drawing.

East Boston student, Brianna Martinez, will be the recipient of this year’s scholarship. Brianna and her family will be presented with a check at the 16th Annual East Boston Countdown to Kindergarten Parade that will be held on Friday, September 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Paris Street BCYF Park in Eastie.

Gruner said the goal of the scholarship and the potential of winning the money is to encourage families to ensure their children are present at school every day.

“We love being able to offer this scholarship and are so glad to be able to partner with Airmall in bringing this scholarship to East Boston for a third time,” said Gruner. “We truly see this as an investment into the future of our youth in East Boston, and in tying this scholarship to excellence in attendance we hope to promote a conversation around the importance of not only thinking about your kids’ education early, but to do all you can to get your kids to school ready to learn.”

This scholarship will be in the form of a 529 college savings bond.

“The strong partnership between East Boston’s non-profits and businesses is a fine example of how all of us can contribute to this diverse and wonderful community,” said Madaro. “Investing in our youngest to ensure that they are on the path to educational success is one of the most important things we can do.  I want to thank Air Mall, Main Streets, and the Countdown to Kindergarten committee for their continued work on behalf of our young students and I particularly want to thank all the parents for supporting their kids to be successful in school – you really are your child’s first and most important teachers.”

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Rep. Adrian Madaro picks the name of the lucky kindergartner that will be awarded a $5,000 college scholarship courtesy of East Boston Main Streets and Airmall as EBMS Director Max Gruner and representatives from the Countdown to Kindergarten Committee and Airmall look on.

EBMS Director Max Gruner and Rep. Adrian Madaro (center) hold up the name of the scholarship winner. This year’s winner is Brianna Martinez.

The Countdown to Kindergarten Committee, Airmall representatives join with  EBMS Director Max Gruner and Rep. Adrian Madaro to celebrate the winner of the scholarship.