Tench, Megan, “Faces of Excellence: Interviews with Valedictorians, class of 2005, from Boston’s 34 Public High Schools,” The Boston Globe, 5Jun05, B1.
(Download this review as a PDF)

 

 

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Globe took the time to interview this year’s valedictorians of Boston’s 34 high schools—20 of them born outside the U.S. and 33 of them planning on college. Here are some samples worth reading.

 

Daniela Cako, was born in Albania, attended Boston Community Leadership Academy, and is accepted to prestigious MIT: “I never thought I would be here… attending a rigorous college.”

 

Rogers Diaz, born in Dominican Republic, West Roxbury High School, plans to be a lawyer: “In my country, there aren’t many laws. People do whatever they want.”

 

Jason Joseph, born in the U.S., Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: “I have a prosthetic leg… I overcame all that, and I play basketball hard.”

 

Amanda Luong, born in the U.S., Boston Latin Academy, her parents came from Vietnam, will be a premed student: “Who knows, maybe I’ll make a medical discovery someday.”

 

Shannon Smith, born in Jamaica, Madison Park Technical Vocational High School: “I see myself graduating from medical school…. I’ve always wanted to be a surgeon.”

 

Lien Tang, born in Vietnam, Boston Adult Technical Academy: “Learning English was really exciting. I now know how to speak five different languages.”

 

Karen Troncoso, born in the U.S., English High School, wants to be a pediatrician: “The feeling you get helping people, you can’t compare it to anything else.”

 

Hawa Kaba, born in Guinea, New Mission High School: “I want to do something for my country… to bring modern technology to West Africa.”

 

Romani Morris, born in the U.S., Greater Egleston Community High: “A turning point for me was when I saw a close friend of mine die… through gang violence.”

 

Thien Pham, born in Vietnam, Brighton High School, was stage manager for Asian student performances: “It was very challenging… because I am very shy.”

 

Ryan So, born in the U.S., Health Careers Academy: “I got a full scholarship to Northeastern University. I just hear about it…. I am amazed.”

 

Telma Tavares, born in the U.S., John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science: “My family is from Cape Verde. I want to work with youth in the city.”

 

Cam Truong, born in Vietnam, Monument School at South Boston High School: “We suffer now but enjoy later…. I want to make money, go back to Vietnam, and enjoy life.”

 

Laura Gibau, born in the U.S., Boston Day and Evening Academy: “I am a single parent of two (twins), and I didn’t think I was able to do it (graduate from school).”

 

Yuanjian Li, born in China, Boston Latin School (a top high school). She learned about Boston Latin in a Chinese-language paper in France. Plans to study international business.

 

Iano Spaho, born in Albania, Boston Community Leadership Academy: “High schools are harder in Albania, but the universities are better here.”

 

Nisaury Amador Tejeda, born in the Dominican Republic: “I’ve been helped by so many people…. I want to help other people in Boston.”

 

June White, born in the U.S., Hyde Park High School: “I see myself eventually becoming a pediatrician. I love a challenge. That’s how I stay motivated.”

 

Shaneka Davis, born in the U.S., Monument School of South Boston High School: “I would like to join the Peace Corps, and maybe I’ll become the president of the United States.”

 

Maria Loza, born in the U.S., My father never finished middle school, so I want to get my college degree for him.”

 

Marcy Yela Paye, born in Liberia, Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, learned how to sign after fleeing Liberian civil war with mother in 1990, her father is still somewhere in Liberia.

 

Bernardo Sanchez, born in Columbia, McKinley South End Academy, interested in engineering, has struggle with depression: “I came back… I worked hard, and I became valedictorian.”

 

Karlon St. Bernard, born in Trinidad, Economics and Business Academy: “The chances of going to college and finding work are better here. But it’s freezing cold.”

 

Trung Trinh, born in Malaysia, Academy of Public Service, decided to become a doctor after his sister’s illness: “It was scary. Ever since then I knew.”

 

Siming Zhu, born in China, Charlestown High School: “I find it unbelievable that I learned how to speak English and I am actually going to college.”

 

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

 

1.   What surprises or impresses you from the above?

 

2.   What creative ways can you think of to use this article for a discussion in a class or group?

 

IMPLICATIONS

 

1.   Many adults do no realize how multicultural high schools and the youth cultures have become.

 

2.   There is ample proof here as to how young people can overcome adversity.

 

 

3.   Notice the mixed desires for success and wealth along with a desire to serve that characterize so many young people today.