Testimony of Menwongba Dahn-Gokawon, Roxbury Prep Alumnus, In Opposition to Section 4 of the Thrive Act, S.374

Good afternoon. My name is Menwongba Dahn. I am a proud 2024 graduate of Roxbury Prep – a charter public school in Boston. I am here today to ask you to reject Section 4 of S.374.

I grew up in Boston. My experiences in elementary and middle school were fine, but I wasn’t challenged in the ways I needed. I was just sort of coasting through school, getting decent enough grades to fly under the radar.

When I was going into 8th grade, my mom decided to enter me into the lottery at Roxbury Prep – and that decision completely changed my life. At Roxbury Prep, everything was different. The teachers really took the time to get to know me. The teachers were excited to be there, and the passion that they brought into their lessons lit a fire inside of me.

Of course, it was hard, and at times stressful, especially once I got into AP classes. But I enjoyed the challenge. AP World History was my favorite class. It was there that I didn’t just learn about history – but I started seeing myself as someone who could shape the future.

When it came time to apply to college, my counselors were by my side every step of the way. Originally, I didn’t think college was an option for my family. But my college counselors helped me apply to different scholarship programs. I am very proud to share that I am the first in my household to go to college – thanks to a full four-year scholarship to Holy Cross through the QuestBridge program.

Even now that I’ve graduated, Roxbury Prep is still here to support me. The alumni counselors check in on me, offer support, and help connect me to resources on campus.

I was one of the lucky 18% of kids in Boston to be selected in a charter lottery. Lowering the cap to 9% won’t help anyone. In fact, we should be finding ways to give MORE kids opportunities like those at Roxbury Prep – not less.

Please vote no on Section 4 of S.374.

Thank you.