NORTHEAST METRO TECH CELEBRATES 292 GRADUATES
A total of 292 students completed their studies at Northeast Metro Tech and received diplomas during a ceremony held Friday, June 1, at Breakheart Stadium. Principal Carla Scuzzarella and School Committee Chairman Deborah Davis were on hand to recognize the accomplishment. The graduating class represented 15 different vocational programs.
As the new graduates prepared to move forward, Superintendent David DiBarri offered perspective on their next steps. He encouraged them to pursue leadership pathways in both their professional and personal development—whether through taking on management positions, becoming active in their trade’s union, or coaching in athletics.
“The United States is still the greatest country on earth but it is up to you and future generations to ensure that we continue to get better and better,” Superintendent DiBarri said. “Please remember that you will always be a member of the Northeast family. It is our hope that in the years to come that all of you will have some connection to Northeast.”
Among those receiving diplomas were the following Chelsea residents:
Eduard Ajtum Caal, Juliette Alvarez, Luis Barillas Natareno, Mathias Bermudez Galeano, Samuel Cantor Hernandez, Kimberly Carballo, Kevin Colindres, Katerin Contreras Artica, Jaylene Coreas Carballo, Christian DeJesus Franco, Juleann Diniz Gomes, Victor Erazo, Genesis G. Escalante Rosales, Maryanne Funes Martinez, Roberto Funes Martinez, Victor Galeas, Lindsey Garcia Gallegos, Allan Garza Romero, Sarai Hernandez Martinez, Jacqueline Hernandez, Irania Hoffens, Yorick Jimenez Zelaya, Alexander Lizardo, Jose Lopreto Hernandez, Tyrese Louis, Madeline Martinez Fajardo, Emerson Meda Vasquez, Eduardo Montes, Brian Mullaly, Corey J. O’Neil, Jacqueline Pablo Lopez, Lucy Platero-Martinez, Reynaldo Portillo, Katherine Quintana, Pamela Ramos, Diego O. Rivera-Molina, Adiarys Rojas Hernandez, Diego Roque Romero, Jerry Ruiz Manzano, Brielle Tigges, Devin Toro, Trang T. Tran, Elizabeth Villalobos, Jaycee Yu, and Katya Zelaya.
Speaking to his classmates in verse, Salutatorian Raymond Borden of Winthrop reflected poetically on his Northeast experience, drawing inspiration from fellow salutatorian Dr. Seuss. “You’re sad that you’re leaving, it’s a shame you have to go, but no more home work or classwork, how could you say no?” Borden said to his peers. “…You did it, and whether by stumble or stride, you’ll do what you have to to get by. The brain is not for getting A’s and B’s, but for seizing lifetime opportunities. That’s my knowledge I impart to you, and with my final rhyme, I bid thee adieu.”
Gratitude marked the remarks of Class President Rebecca Corbett from Revere, who acknowledged the combined contributions that shaped the class’s four years at Northeast. She expressed appreciation to families, instructors, staff members, and classmates alike for their role in the school’s success.
“This is it — this is the beginning of what we want to make our future,” Corbett concluded. “Whether you are going to further your education, or work in your trade, I believe that each and every one of you will do great things and be great people. Keep taking care of each other like family, and as a reminder, this is not goodbye, it’s see you later.”
CHELSEA STUDENT EARNS HONOR AT NATIONAL COMPETITION
Lucy Platero-Martinez, a Chelsea student attending Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School, received recognition as one of the nation’s top achievers at the 2018 SkillsUSA Championships. The event took place June 27-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. A competitive field of more than 6,300 students participated in the world’s premier skills competition, which occupies 1.4 million square feet—equivalent to 20 football fields or 25 acres.
Across 102 hands-on competitions covering occupational and leadership categories, contestants demonstrated technical abilities, workplace competencies, and interpersonal skills. Fields included robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, and public speaking. Evaluation came from industry professionals—more than 1,900 judges and technical specialists representing 600 businesses, corporations, trade associations, and unions—who assessed entrants based on industry standards for beginning-level workers. The collective industry commitment to the Championships reached over $36 million in donated resources, time, and materials.
Platero-Martinez received a Skill Point Certificate in Esthetics after meeting the predetermined threshold established by industry experts. “More than 6,300 students from every state in the nation participated in the 2018 SkillsUSA Championships,” said SkillsUSA executive director Tim Lawrence. “This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates our SkillsUSA partnership at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members.” Skill Point Certificates recognizing achievement in 72 occupational and leadership areas were distributed to students across the competition—a formal component of SkillsUSA’s career and technical education assessment framework.
Held annually as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, the Championships welcome participants from middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary programs. The organization engages more than 360,000 students and advisors yearly through more than 18,000 sections operating across 53 state and territorial associations.
MGH INSTITUTE GRADUATES INCLUDE CHELSEA AREA RESIDENTS
Five individuals with ties to Chelsea earned degrees this spring from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, joining the Class of 2018’s total of 583 graduates. Since opening in 1977, the institute has conferred degrees on more than 7,700 health care professionals.
Yovianna García Alvarado, a Chelsea resident, completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Eva Wong Trinh, also residing in Chelsea, earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. Joshua Merson, who grew up in Chelsea, received a Master of Science in Health Professions Education. Flor Amaya, a Chelsea native, graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Mariolino Fernandes, who grew up in Chelsea, completed a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
The institute’s educational model emphasizes interprofessional collaboration across disciplines. Located on the Charlestown Navy Yard campus in Boston, approximately 1,600 students currently pursue post-baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, health professions education, and a PhD in rehabilitation sciences. This collaborative learning extends through hundreds of hospital, clinical, community, and educational settings across Greater Boston and beyond.
As the only degree-granting partner of Partners HealthCare—New England’s largest health provider—the MGH Institute maintains full accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Multiple programs rank highly in U.S. News & World Report assessments. For four consecutive years, the institution has been named to The Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great College to Work For” Honor Roll, with eight consecutive years of “Great College” designation overall.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY NAMES CHELSEA STUDENTS TO DEAN’S LIST
Two Chelsea residents achieved Dean’s List recognition at Boston University for the Spring semester. Sara Beqo and Lia C. Ring were among those honored for academic excellence.
At Boston University, individual schools and colleges establish their own criteria for Dean’s List designation, though students typically must demonstrate a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, rank in the top 30 percent of their class, and maintain a full course load as enrolled full-time students.
SIMMONS COLLEGE CONFERS DEGREES ON LOCAL GRADUATES
Three Chelsea residents recently completed graduate programs at Simmons College in Boston. Meta Partenheimer earned a Master of Science in Library and Information Science with a focus on Archives Management. Kirsten Goodman received a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Maria Pelosi completed a Master of Social Work degree.
Founded in 1899, Simmons College stands as Boston’s only undergraduate women’s college and has maintained a commitment to visionary leadership and social responsibility. The nationally recognized private institution is located in Boston’s heart. Information about Simmons is available at www.simmons.edu, with social media updates on Twitter at @SimmonsCollege and @SimmonsNews.
ROMERO ACHIEVES DEAN’S LIST STATUS AT SIMMONS
Dariela Lizbeth Romero of Chelsea earned a place on Simmons College’s dean’s list for the 2018 spring semester in Boston.
Established in 1899, Simmons College represents a nationally recognized private institution located in central Boston. The college holds distinction as Boston’s only undergraduate women’s college and emphasizes visionary thinking combined with social responsibility commitments. Additional details appear at www.simmons.edu, with Twitter presence maintained through @SimmonsCollege and @SimmonsNews.