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P resident Barack Obama delivered a humorous and uplifting commencement address to the
301 graduating seniors of Worcester
Technical High School on June 11,
congratulating them for proving that
much is possible with hard work, a good
education and a supportive community.
“You’re already blazing a trail.
You’re already leading. You’re already
giving back,” the president said to
cheers from the crowd of 5,000 parents
and well-wishers. The enthusiasm
rippled through the audience as Obama
mentioned a list of student-led projects
at the school that are benefiting the
community.
Worcester Tech came to the
president’s attention because of
significant improvements in student
success over the past seven years,
the White House said. It was
the president’s only high school
commencement visit in 2014.
Worcester Tech was named a
Blue Ribbon School in 2013, and
its principal, Dr. Sheila Harrity, was
named National Principal of the
Year for the last school year. Four-
year graduation rates have risen to
95 percent, and the president noted
that proficiency rates on student
assessments have doubled or more in
math, science and English.
After his speech, the president
remained on stage, shaking hands with
the graduates as they received their
diplomas.
Obama recounted his own story
of growing up to illustrate his main
points. He told the students and others
assembled at the DCU Center to
remember that someone had invested
in their success, that they should give
back to the community, and that they
should always believe in their ability
to succeed.
The president joked that when
he graduated from high school, he
was more concerned about post-
commencement parties than about the
speaker’s remarks.
He quipped that the graduates
would not recall his speech, but would
remember the event “because there are
so many Secret Service members at
your graduation.”
Obama expressed disappointment
that Senate Republicans blocked a
bill introduced by Senator Elizabeth
Warren aimed at letting people
refinance student loans at lower rates.
When the crowd began to boo the
Republicans’ move, the president
responded, “Don’t boo. Vote.”
Some of the biggest cheers of the
day were for the teachers and school
staff as they marched into the arena
just ahead of the students.
“As a teacher from Worcester
Tech, I’m so proud for my colleagues
and for the whole city,” said
Educational Association of Worcester
President Len Zalauskas, who has
taught history and government at the
school. “My colleagues are exuberant,
as they should be. These are teachers
who work very hard.”
Photo by Scott McLennan
Worcester Tech class officers presented President Barack Obama with a
jacket when he spoke at their school’s commencement on June 11.
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For more information, visit
curry.edu/education
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