Students

College Board awards four Fitchburg HS students

September 20, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Four high school students recently earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs for their exceptional work at Fitchburg High School.

These programs celebrate students’ strong academic performance and spotlight rural area, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students that go above and beyond expectations.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for the great work they’ve been doing. We’re proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments like the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and AP exams,” said Fitchburg High Principal John Braga. “There’s so much that makes our students unique, and receiving this honor reinforces this as an asset for their future.”

The academic honors are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent.

Fitchburg Public Schools congratulated Alexander Fey, class of 2025, and Estella LeBlanc, class of 2024, who both earned the National Rural and Small Town Award, Kevin Borges, class of 2024, who earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award, and class of 2025 student Theopoula Awad, who earned the National African American Recognition Award.

“These awards are a validation of each student’s dedication to their academics,” said FHS Guidance Counselor Michele Houle.

The criteria for eligible students include a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams in 9th and 10th grade, and attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, or Indigenous/Native.

Eligible students are invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year and are awarded at the start of the next school year in time to share their achievements in high school as they plan for the future. At the same time, colleges and organizations using College Board’s search service can connect directly with awardees during the recruitment process.

“It’s becoming increasingly hard for students to be ‘seen’ during the college recruitment process. We’re exceptionally proud of the National Recognition Programs for celebrating students who are at times overlooked but have shown their outstanding academic abilities,” said Tarlin Ray, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. “This is a benefit not only for students, but also for colleges and universities committed to recruiting diverse and talented students.”

(Courtesy Fitchburg Public Schools)

Universal free school meals keeping Massachusetts students more awake during class

September 14, 2023 by pkzadmin

Less than a month into the school year, hundreds of thousands of students across Massachusetts are taking advantage of universal free breakfasts and lunches, keeping them more attentive throughout the day, officials say.

This is the first year the state Legislature is providing universal free meals to Bay State schools permanently, a program officials say is a major relief from what they describe as a “broken system.”

Waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture brought flexibility to districts during the pandemic, allowing them to provide students with meals at no cost. But federal breakfast and lunch programs resumed last year for the first time since pre-pandemic.

Massachusetts families, however, don’t need to worry about spending money on school meals this year, as the state budget includes about $172 million in permanent funding to provide universal free breakfasts and lunches for public school students in kindergarten through high school.

The Quincy school district has seen a 25% increase in breakfasts and lunches provided to students so far, according to Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, who joined Gov. Maura Healey, Speaker Ron Mariano and other officials to tout the state’s commitment at Snug Harbor Elementary School.

“This monumental change has given us the opportunity to end child hunger right here in our own community which is amazing,” Mulvey said. “The additional state funds will help us improve the overall quality and freshness of our meals which is extremely important, and it allows us to focus on buying locally and procure sustainable food and paper products.”

State funds are covering the cost of one lunch and breakfast, including fruit, vegetables and whole grains, in accordance with regulations from the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Students must pay if they want an extra meal on the same day.

Massachusetts became the eighth state to establish an optional or mandatory universal free school meal program, following the lead of Vermont, Maine, New Mexico, Minnesota, Michigan, California and Colorado, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Mariano taught 12 years in Quincy schools. He remembers students putting their head down on their desks at 8 in the morning due to exhaustion, mostly from not having breakfasts before coming to school.

“There will be times when we’ve got to dig for the money, make no mistake about it. It will be a challenge to keep this commitment,” he said, “but you do have my word … we’ll make it work.”

On any given day during the pandemic, roughly 80,000 more children purchased breakfasts and lunches at Massachusetts schools compared to pre-pandemic, said Jen Lemmerman, vice president of public policy at Project Bread.

Even with more children eating school-provided breakfast and lunches, Project Bread President and CEO Erin McAleer does not foresee supply chain issues creating challenges for districts in securing food on a daily basis.

“Having it be permanent, there’s actually no stress because schools are really able to plan, and they know for it,” she told the Herald. “They now have better anticipatory numbers of kids participating.”

Gov Maura Healey talks with Quincy school kids about the free school lunch program. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald) — Gov. Maura Healey talks with Quincy school kids about the free school lunch program. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)

Massachusetts Boy Scout, 11, dies after New Hampshire boating accident: ‘Our hearts are forever broken’

July 9, 2023 by pkzadmin

The Boy Scout who recently died in a New Hampshire boating accident has been identified as a Massachusetts middle schooler, according to his family who said their “hearts are forever broken” by the “unimaginable loss” of their 11-year-old boy.

The Lexington boy, Keoni Hubbard, was killed following a Friday afternoon boating accident on Manning Lake in Gilmanton, N.H.

“Our hearts are forever broken by the loss of our Keoni,” the Hubbard family said in a statement. “Beloved by his family and friends, Keoni’s spirit and empathy for others resonated with all who love and admire him.

“Keoni was simply the best — a selfless child who truly found joy in the happiness of others,” the family added. “Our family appreciates the support of the community and respectfully asks that you respect our privacy as we mourn the unimaginable loss of our beloved Keoni.”

The 11-year-old member of Boy Scout Troop 119 in Lexington was a Clarke Middle School student, the Lexington superintendent of schools wrote to the community over the weekend.

“I am writing to share the news of a tragic loss in our school community,” Superintendent Julie Hackett wrote. “Yesterday, a Clarke Middle School student who was attending a summer camp in New Hampshire was involved in a fatal boating accident.

“The State Police are investigating the accident that was reportedly witnessed by several other LPS students attending the same summer camp,” the superintendent added.

Boy Scouts of America’s Troop 119 — which includes youths in Lexington and surrounding towns — was up in New Hampshire at Griswold Scout Reservation in Gilmanton for the past week, according to the troop’s calendar.

On Friday at around 2:15 p.m., New Hampshire State Police responded to the boating accident. A boy had reportedly been injured while out on a boat. As a result of the accident, the young Scout received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

“We are heartbroken to confirm the death of a Scout yesterday following a tragic accident on Manning Lake in Gilmanton,” Boy Scouts of America’s Daniel Webster Council in New Hampshire wrote.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the Scout’s family and ask everyone to please join in keeping this young man and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the New Hampshire chapter added.

Two other deaths were reported on Granite State waters on Friday.

A 41-year-old Beverly woman drowned Friday evening on Middle Pea Porridge Pond in Madison. Police responded to a report of a swimmer who had not returned to her family after being on the water in front of their rental property.

Amy Posocco had been swimming with a group of her family members, but she didn’t return to shore. With assistance from the dive team of Ossipee first responders, Posocco was found about 90 feet offshore.

Police also responded on Friday to a report of a body that had been found on the Piscataquog River in Manchester, near the border of Goffstown. The body had been located by boaters who reported it to Manchester Police. The victim was identified as 40-year-old Shawn Barton.

State Police said in a statement, “New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol would like to extend our condolences to the families of the three victims.”

Boston University and Travis Roy Foundation create fund for scholars studying paralysis, spinal cord injuries

May 24, 2023 by pkzadmin

Boston University and the Travis Roy Foundation have created a scholarship fund that honors the life and legacy of the late Travis Roy, providing awards to BU scholars studying paralysis and spinal cord injuries.

Roy, a promising freshman BU hockey player, was paralyzed 11 seconds into the first hockey game of his college career.

With the help of rehab professionals, he returned to the university 10 months after his injury, earned a degree in communications, and began a career as a motivational speaker while helping others living with paralysis. In 2020, Roy died after being a quadriplegic for 25 years.

Now, BU’s Sargent College and the Travis Roy Foundation — which Roy launched in 1996 — have created the Travis M. Roy Endowed Scholarship Fund, established through a $1 million gift from the foundation.

“This is a tangible living legacy to Trav’s life and impact, pursuing his quest for ‘how good can I be’ and enabling Sargent’s programs and its students to do the same,” Roy’s parents Brenda and Lee said in a statement. “The Travis Roy Endowed Scholarship Fund highlights Travis’ passion for helping others and his life of gratitude in the face of adversity.”

The fund will provide annual scholarship awards to one or more doctoral candidates enrolled in BU Sargent College’s Department of Occupational Therapy or Department of Physical Therapy.

Roy and Sargent College have a long-standing relationship. When he returned to BU after his injury, Roy worked with Sargent physical therapists and occupational therapists to continue his recovery and help make his dorm room more accessible.

In 2015, Sargent College Dean Chris Moore announced a $2.5 million gift from a group of anonymous donors to establish the Travis Roy Professorship in Rehabilitation Sciences, currently held by Sargent Physical Therapy Professor LaDora Thompson whose research focuses on muscle weakness and dysfunction.

“The Travis M. Roy Endowed Scholarship Fund will be an enduring celebration of Travis’ relationship with BU and Sargent College,” Moore said. “It reflects our shared commitment to supporting everyone’s participation in their lives and communities to the fullest extent possible.”

Both the Travis Roy Scholarship Fund and the Professorship at Sargent College are endowed in perpetuity, part of Roy’s legacy to improve the lives of those with spinal cord injuries and his belief in the crucial work of rehabilitation professionals.

“BU always meant so much to Travis, and was so good to him over the years,” said Roy’s sister and brother-in-law Tobi and Keith VanOrden. “The idea that this scholarship will, in Trav’s name, help people continue to give back, both to BU and to spinal cord injury survivors, means so much to all of us.”

Ex-Hopkinton Police deputy chief accused of raping child, allegedly assaulted student while he was school resource officer

May 1, 2023 by pkzadmin

The former Hopkinton Police deputy chief is accused of raping a child while he was a school resource officer in the town’s school system, according to police.

A Middlesex grand jury has indicted 54-year-old John “Jay” Porter on three charges of rape of a child, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday.

Porter allegedly assaulted a 15-year-old student in 2004 and 2005. He was the police department’s first school resource officer.

Former Hopkinton Deputy Chief of Police, John “Jay” Porter (Photo courtesy Hopkinton Police Department)

He’s accused of assaulting the student multiple times off school property.

“We are deeply disturbed and troubled by these accusations,” Hopkinton Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Police Chief Joseph Bennett said in a joint statement. “These alleged crimes have no place in our community or anywhere else, and we extend our sympathies to the victim.”

This investigation has been handled by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police. The arraignment has not been scheduled yet.

Last August, Porter was placed on administrative leave by Hopkinton Police pending the outcome of an investigation. As of Friday, April 28, Porter is no longer a member of the Hopkinton Police Department.

“On Friday, Porter notified the town that he is seeking to retire, and the town accepted his immediate separation from employment,” the town officials said in the joint statement.

Porter had been with the Hopkinton Police Department since 1992.

Last July, a month before Porter was placed on administrative leave, he marked 30 years of service with the Hopkinton Police Department. His name was added to the Hopkinton Police Department 30 Years of Service Award plaque in recognition of the milestone.

“We were thrilled to recognize Deputy Chief Porter’s years of service on Thursday and all he has achieved during his 30 years with the department,” Police Chief Joseph Bennett said in a statement at the time last July. “He has shown a true commitment to bettering this department and serving the Hopkinton community, and we are fortunate to have him as a member of the Hopkinton Police command staff.”

Porter moved through the ranks — serving as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant and lieutenant before being appointed deputy chief in October 2021.

He was Hopkinton’s first accreditation manager, and helped the department achieve its first accreditation award through the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission in March 2021.

Porter had been selected as the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Officer of the Year four times.

Two Fitchburg students named Project 351 ambassadors

January 12, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Two eighth grade students attending Fitchburg Public Schools were recently selected as Project 351 ambassadors from Fitchburg for the Class of 2023.

Hadley McGovern, an eighth grader enrolled at Memorial Middle School, was selected by her educators because, “She is always concerned with making her classmates feel welcome. She is a quiet leader who constantly seeks to make her environment better. Hadley has consistently welcomed and supported many of the new students to Memorial as they transferred from other schools in the district this year.”

Hunter Raboin, an eighth grader enrolled at Longsjo Middle School, was selected by his educators because, “He is kind and compassionate. He is quick to help other classmates when they are struggling and offers encouragement and support. Hunter has a positive attitude when approached with a challenging situation.”

The Class of 2023 begins the 13th year for Project 351. Project 351 is a nonprofit youth-led movement for positive change and the only model of its kind in the nation. Annually, they unite an ambassador class of eighth grade unsung heroes and quiet leaders — representing Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns — for a year of leadership development, service learning, and civic engagement. Youth are selected by hometown educators for their kindness, compassion, and aspirations as change makers and bridge builders. Over a 12-month term, the ambassadors hone their skills and knowledge required of bold leadership, forge friendships across diverse communities, and scale impact for innovative nonprofit organizations.

In the first 12 years, 4,492 eighth graders have positively impacted more than one million of our most vulnerable neighbors through service. As they lead, ambassadors advance the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community and their generation’s aspirations for unity, inclusion and social justice.

Ambassadors from the 351 cities and towns will gather on January 14, 2023, at Faneuil Hall to begin their 12-month Leadership Journey. Ambassadors join a community where they will learn from the diverse perspectives and ideas of their peers, deepen their knowledge of critical issues; and lead service that creates a transformative impact for ten of thousands of neighbors across the Commonwealth. Ambassadors build skills critical to classroom and community success including communication, project management, leadership of diverse teams, collaboration, impact evaluation, and the values of gratitude, inclusion, and generosity.

For more information, visit project351.org or email Mary Cringan at mcringan@gmail.com

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