BOSTON — Boston Public Schools honored its top-ranking students Monday afternoon at the 20th annual Valedictorian Luncheon.
Mayor Marty Walsh praised the 36 high school valedictorians for their amazing accomplishments. He recognized how far many of them have come, both in distance and in efforts.
Nearly half of the valedictorians were born outside of the U.S., while almost half are “homegrown,” having attended Boston Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
In his speech, Mayor Walsh emphasized his pride in the diverse group of scholars.
“I am proud of the kids that were born and grew up in our city…I am proud of the immigrants that came to our city...the 47 percent of you who have raised to the ranks of the highest achievements in your own schools,” said Walsh.
One of those high-ranking achievers is Urban Science Academy valedictorian, Steven Cajuste. Cajuste was forced to flee his home country of Haiti in 2011 after the earthquake destroyed his home.
“It was devastating but we knew we had to leave if we wanted to get something better,” he said.
When Cajuste arrived in Boston, he lived in one room with his three siblings and mother. Cajuste said along with teachers and mentors, it was his mother -- who worked several jobs to shelter and feed her family -- and his home country that inspired him throughout school.
“Since my mother came here, she always worked hard. She told us the only way to make it out was through school...that has been driving me to do well,” Cajuste said, “I never thought I would be here...I am grateful because there are people who are in my situation back home who don’t have this opportunity.”
Another valedictorian who came to Boston in search of opportunity is New Mission High School’s valedictorian, Filomena Da Silva Came. Da Silva immigrated to Boston from Cape Verde all alone at 10 years old.
“I always thought about my country and how most of the people there never got the opportunity to pursue an education. Some of them drop out when they are in fourth or fifth grade so they can care for the family. I have always kept that in mind and told myself that if I am given the opportunity, I should take full advantage of it so that I can make them proud someday,” she said.
Cajuste and De Silva are both heading off to Dartmouth College after high school. Cajuste will study biology and De Silva plans on majoring in political science with hopes of later on going to law school.
The college list for the rest of the group is also impressive, including names like Brown and Harvard University. Mayor Walsh said that while he could not control where the valedictorians would end up after college, he urged them to stay in Boston.
“Your city needs your wisdom. Your city needs your skill... we want to keep your talent here in the city of Boston,” Mayor Walsh said.
Cox Media Group
