Superintendent Mary Skipper, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Boston School Committee Chairperson Jeri Robinson honored the outstanding accomplishments of the 2023 Boston Public Schools valedictorians yesterday at Fenway Park. The ceremony brought together a diverse group of high-achieving students, their families, and esteemed members of the community.
Mayor Wu, the Boston School Committee, and Superintendent Mary Skipper honored 33 seniors who are graduating at the top of their class. The students were accompanied by their school leaders and two loved ones. Each valedictorian received a $100 Amazon e-gift card, a citation from the Boston School Committee and Superintendent, and four free tickets to see the Boston Red Sox, presented by Red Sox President Sam Kennedy.
“It is such a privilege to honor so many talented and hard-working young people today at the 2023 Valedictory Luncheon,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “Every year, so many wonderful students graduate from the Boston Public Schools and each has so much to offer the world. Despite all of the trauma and hardship caused by the pandemic, our valedictorians strove for greatness and we are so proud of them and their accomplishments.”
The first event of this kind was held at the Parkman House in 1999. Its’ success has enabled the event to grow to a larger venue to include families, BPS staff, and partners from Boston’s higher education, business, and philanthropic community. Any proceeds from the event will benefit the City of Boston Scholarship Fund.
“Our Boston Public Schools students are an inspiration, and I’m so proud of these valedictorians who worked incredibly hard to earn this honor,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. We are grateful for all that these students do to inspire, mobilize, and enrich their communities, and are excited to see all that they accomplish as leaders!”
The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of major sponsors, including The Boston Red Sox, Eastern Bank Foundation, and Wentworth Institute of Technology are the major sponsors of this year’s event.
This event will showcase the accomplishments of 33 valedictorians, representing 32 schools. Over one-third of these young people will be the first in their families to attend college and 11 are students who have spent their entire education career at BPS. This diverse class also includes 11 students who were born outside the United States, hailing from China, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, and Jamaica.
“These young people have accomplished so much,” said Boston School Committee Chairperson Jeri Robinson. “Each and every one of our valedictorians has worked hard and earned this despite the unprecedented challenges from the past few years. Congratulations to all of our valedictorians. Good luck and thank you for the impact you have left on BPS.”
The BPS Valedictorians Luncheon has grown to accommodate a larger venue, including BPS families, staff, and partners from Boston’s higher education, business, and philanthropic communities. This annual celebration of academic excellence serves as a testament to the commitment and dedication of Boston Public Schools to provide the highest quality education possible.