Obama: Worcester Tech an example for U.S.
PHOTO/EMILY MICUCCI
President Obama standing with members of the Class of 2014after being presented with a Worcester Tech jacket.
President Barack Obama held Worcester Technical High School up as an example of the success that can come from partnerships between the private sector and public schools Wednesday afternoon at Worcester Tech's 2014 commencement.
Speaking to graduating seniors inside the DCU Center arena, Obama said the country needs more schools that prepare students for the workforce as well as college, as Worcester Tech has done since the school embarked on a path in 2006 that led to a drastic turnaround in student achievement.
"I like all of you, and I'm glad to be with you," Obama said of his decision to speak at Worcester Tech this year. "But the thing I really want to do is make sure that what we've learned here at this high school, we can lift up for the entire nation."
In March, administrators at Worcester Tech learned that Obama would be the keynote speaker at this year’s graduation ceremonies. Obama has made it a practice to address high school graduates, while previous presidents have traditionally addressed only college graduates.
Obama’s visit was a boost for school administrators, who, by implementing reforms, have dramatically improved MCAS scores and graduation rates since Principal Sheila Harrity came aboard in 2006.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Education named Worcester Tech a Blue Ribbon School in recognition of those efforts, and Harrity was named national high school principal of the year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Murray: Hundreds of businesses have stake in Worcester Tech
The president’s visit was also a monumental occasion for the city. Obama’s appearance is expected to cost around $200,000, and the city is reportedly footing the bill. But Timothy Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamberof Commerce, underscored an important payoff: visibility.
“I think people realize this is a special day, a unique opportunity and one that kind of heralds the success of a model that involves all different facets of the community,” Murray said a few hours before the graduation ceremony.
Murray said Worcester Tech’s success adds to the clout that the city’s vibrant higher education generates in the area, and he said that is owed to strong alliances between area businesses and school administrators.
“There’s hundreds and hundreds of business involved in that school on a regular basis. To me, it’s exciting and what we need more of,” Murray said.
Obama agreed. With stakeholders from the business community acting as advisors to Worcester Tech on curriculum design and the creation of training opportunities for students, Obama said the school has adapted to current workforce needs. He said similar programs are needed across the country.
“I want the entire nation to learn from Worcester Tech,” Obama said.
Obama also highlighted the contributions of Edwin B. “Ted” Coghlin, Jr., a Worcester businessman and long-time president of Coghlin Electrical Contractors who was a key player in fundraising for the construction of the current Worcester Tech on Skyline Drive, a $100-million project. He also helped establish the school’s state-of-the-art training facility, known as the Coghlin Construction Technology Academy.
“Ted is known as ‘the godfather’ of Worcester Tech, because about 10 years ago he set out to make this school what he knew it could be -- a place where businesses train new workers, and young people get the keys to a brighter future,” Obama said.
Wednesday’s graduation ceremony lasted about two hours. After receiving their diplomas, graduates were warmly greeted on the stage by the president. Flanked by Harrity, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, Superintendent Melinda Boone, Obama issued a hug or handshake to each one of the graduating seniors before they exited the stage.
Whatever lasting impression Obama’s visit makes on the city, Boone told Obama that this year’s graduates will cherish the event for the rest of their lives.
“Your presence here today is a capstone to their high school experience and brings them graduation memories that they will share in college, at work and with their children and grandchildren, for a lifetime,” Boone said.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments