In a festive atmosphere filled with pride and celebration, Boston’s valedictorians were honored at an annual luncheon on Tuesday at Fenway Park.
Among the 33 distinguished graduates was Pires, who is set to take her talents to New York, where she will attend Fordham University while training at the acclaimed Alvin Ailey School of Dance.
Pires is pursuing a pre-law track with aspirations of becoming a criminal justice lawyer.
Family members gathered to witness the momentous occasion as the graduates received certificates from Mayor Michelle Wu, Superintendent Mary Skipper, and School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson, all of whom congratulated the students on their hard-earned accomplishments.
In her remarks, Mayor Wu acknowledged the dedication of the valedictorians, stating, “You could have taken an easier route… You made a hard choice — time after time after time — to invest in yourselves.”
As a former valedictorian herself, Wu encouraged the graduates to consider remaining in Boston or eventually returning to contribute to their community.
“This is your home. It always will be,” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of their leadership in the city.
Christina Yang, the valedictorian from Josiah Quincy Upper School, shared her plans to attend Boston University and her dream of becoming an educator.
Inspired by her own experiences, Yang expressed her desire to work in a school environment, advocating for students and making a positive impact on the younger generation.
As a first-generation college student, Yang reflected on the lessons learned during her journey, particularly the importance of self-advocacy after facing challenges in her freshman year.
Robinson, representing the school board, highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the valedictorians, stating, “Your journeys are a testament to the rich tapestry of our community and the strength that lies in our diversity.”
Superintendent Skipper noted that more than half of the valedictorians are the first in their families to attend college, and 40 percent hail from immigrant backgrounds.
She emphasized the significance of these achievements in light of current national narratives questioning the value of immigrants, declaring, “This room is an example of the value of our immigrants.”
Many valedictorians not only excelled academically but also balanced jobs and caregiving responsibilities during high school.
Skipper encouraged the graduates, saying, “You have the opportunity and obligation to take all that talent that each of you possesses and go to a next level with it.”
The esteemed graduates will go on to attend prestigious institutions including Harvard, Northwestern, UMass Amherst, Smith College, and Bowdoin College.
Kaylee Nguyen, the valedictorian from TechBoston Academy, will be attending Northeastern University on a full scholarship, majoring in accounting.
Reflecting on her transition from middle to high school during the pandemic, Nguyen shared her struggles with social adjustment but found freedom in surrounding herself with supportive peers.
During the event, Pires delivered a powerful keynote address, stating that the title of valedictorian extends beyond mere grades and accolades.
“It comes with responsibility,” she noted, highlighting her ambition to dance professionally with the Alvin Ailey company.
Pires emphasized her commitment to serving as a role model for the next generation, saying, “This is what the next generation is looking for. They’re looking at me as an example.”
As her journey continues, Pires remains determined to inspire others to chase their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
“This is my bigger responsibility — to do amazing work so that the next generation can follow through,” she concluded.
image source from：https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/27/metro/boston-bps-valedictorians-annual-luncheon/
