On June 14, seniors from ABCD’s University High School (UHS) crossed the graduation stage at the ABCD Thelma D. Burns Building in Roxbury with diplomas in hand and plans for the future in mind. The alternative high school for Boston students ages 16 to 22 operates in partnership with the Boston Public Schools and all graduates will continue their studies at local colleges in the fall or work at full or part-time jobs. 

“I am so proud of our graduates and the community that helped them get here – our UHS faculty and staff, family and the Boston Public Schools,” said ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler.

Harris Williams, an educational technology innovator who has taught at his alma mater, Boston College, and at Bunker Hill Community College, was the commencement speaker.

“I had bad grades in college – C’s D’s and F’s. I wanted to be a neurologist. But I got an A in computer science. My success began with failure,” he said. “Accept the challenges that you’re facing so that you can move forward. The obstacle is the way. It gives you strength vs. defining your limitations. Stay hungry,a stay curious and bring that spirit into this world.”

The graduates included Alex Douglas, Jahsenica Parker, Yazmine Vega, Dajuanay Colon, Deana Eures, Julissa Grullon, Zhaniya “Ni” Lewis, and D’Onie Sanchez, all of Dorchester. Mattapan’s Abigail Brown and Aaliyah Oviedo; and classmates Ta’keeria Sherrod-Greene, Janijah Martin-White, Syleena Borrero, Jefferson Brice, Darius Rogers, and Felix Sanchez.

Jeremiah E. Burke High School Headmaster Amilcar Silva is pictured with valedictorian Erik Mendez and salutatorian Kayla Rosana Langley at the school’s 87th graduation on Thursday, June 6. Addressing the graduates was headmaster Amilcar Silva and Boston School committee member Chantal Lima Barbosa. Eight graduates from the Class of 1964 attended and presented a scholarship on behalf of their class. The commencement was a special event for Mr. Silva as he retires at the end of the school year. Diplomas were presented to 78 graduates.
Patrick O’Connor photo

Tech Boston Academy’s headmaster Patrick Cleary is shown with salutatorian Amiya Rowell and valedictorian Richie Nguyen, who spoke at the school’s graduation on Wed. June 5 at the Boston Convention Center. Other speakers included class president Laetitia Duroucroix and salutatorian Amiya Rowell. Diplomas were presented to 116 graduates. Patrick O’Connor photo

Cristo Rey Boston High President Rosemary J. Powers with salutatorian Cynthia Thi Nguyen, valedictorian Frankline Xavier Lopez and Principal Tom Ryan. Patrick O’Connor photo