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During this year’s graduation ceremony at Prospect Hill Academy in Cambridge, class speaker and graduate, Wiener Douyon, who will be attending Colby College this fall, inspired his fellow classmates by reading a beautiful, original poem:
…As for those in the audience today,
I cannot help but say…
Thank you for your efforts and contributions
That you all have made to this day
For being the nutrients to our growth
Because in the support you supply
WE WILL RISE
During the month of June, over 2,400 charter public high school seniors gathered to receive their diplomas, surrounded by the people that provide “the nutrients to [their] growth.”
Like Wiener Douyon, many of these graduates have heartfelt words to share with their community. We’ve rounded up a few examples of these profound reflections from the Class of 2019.
What’s Next: Bunker Hill Community College
Mistakes are what make you stronger. I’m not perfect, but every time I fall I stand right back up and now I’m here and proud to be. My question to you is: Where should you be now?
What’s Next: Dartmouth College
My parents are Nigerian, and they came to this country to create a better life for their children. Every day, I think about the struggles they’ve gone through to provide this better life. I still have family in Nigeria, and they continue to struggle. I also keep that in mind on a daily basis because while I sometimes think that my struggles are significant, they pale in comparison to those of others. I am grateful for all I have been given and the opportunities provided to me, including the chance to now go to an Ivy League college. Hard work really does pay off.
What’s Next: University of Massachusetts Boston
GLCPS has given me an amazing education. Because of the incredible support I received beginning in 5th grade and up until graduation day, I have exceeded my own expectations which I will always be grateful for.
What’s Next: Georgia Tech
At the end of the day, I think that it’s all of you [teachers] that make CCSC as phenomenal as it is and that’s why we students show up at CCSC year after year.
What’s Next: Northeastern University
As we move on tomorrow fulfilling our destinies, remember, the future is in our hands, and we can be the change we want to see in the world.
What’s Next? Massasoit Community College
I am excited that I am finally getting my high school diploma. I would tell anyone who hasn’t graduated: Don’t give up, not even when it seems hard, you can definitely do it! I appreciate the staff at Map for [their] endless support and the motivation to keep trying, and to keep pushing me towards my goals. My little family and I thank [them] all so much for helping me reach the next chapter in our lives. It means the world to us.
What’s Next: Northeastern University
Not only has BCCS taught me what constitutes a scholar by being mindful, achieving, professional, and persevering, but through its environment it taught me to find enjoyment in everything and to live a life radiating kindness and positivity. All of the teachers and classmates had really taught me what it means to believe in oneself and support one another. I can’t wait to share all the lessons that BCCS taught me at Northeastern and to never forget the foundations that I had built myself on! One day, my goal is to become a doctor and through the hard work that BCCS required, I know that I could never dream too big and will be able to accomplish anything I set my mind to!
What’s Next: Columbia University
Purpose becomes one of the most influential driving factors in anyone’s life; setting your purpose in life, no matter how crazy or absurd, gives you the clarity to distinguish between what’s important and unimportant in achieving your goals.’
What’s Next: University of Massachusetts Amherst
I enjoy and appreciate reading about all of the social disparities within our society; I want to become a leader for those who don’t have a voice, and make their voices heard. I want to help women of color seek answers about their identity. I want to ensure there is a place in society for us and a way for us to reshape our understanding of each other.
What’s Next: Brown University
My parents both sacrificed everything as they immigrated to the United States in hopes of a better life, and I can proudly say that we have found it. Now while everyone’s story may not be exactly like mine, all of our families have sacrificed for us in some shape or form. Moving forward, make sure you continue to honor the people who have always believed in you, who have always supported you, and who will continue to be by your side.
Thank you to all the families, teachers, school staff, and community partners who have worked together to support charter public students across the state. Thanks to you, the kids of our Commonwealth will continue to rise.
In gratitude,
Executive Director, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association
