Alumni Spotlight
Jessica Tavares Lopes ’22: From Cape Verde to Wellesley College by Way of English High
Jessica Tavares Lopes, English High School Class of 2022
When the pandemic hit Cape Verde in 2020 Jessica Tavares Lopes, ‘22 was in high school in that country. The virus caused economic havoc in this small island country so the Tavares family sent Jessica to live with a family friend in Dorchester. She was in a new country and couldn’t speak the language. She chose to start her junior year at English High partly because of the school’s language programs. She also found a welcoming and supportive atmosphere at English. Two years later, after a lot of hard work and help from the English faculty, Jessica became the first English High student to be accepted at prestigious Wellesley College! She was also accepted at Mt. Holyoke and Brandeis. She has enrolled in Wellesley with a major in psychology and neuroscience.
“Math teacher Alicia Martinez was like a mother to me, always willing to help. I felt like part of the community for I consider the EHS my family because they supported me not only academically but also emotionally. I have so many people to shout out.
I’m eternally grateful to the EHS and one day I hope to return and help students like me to achieve their dreams! And thanks to the alumni association for also supporting me. If it wasn’t for English High I wouldn’t be where I am today. I made so many friends. ”
At English Jessica joined the chess club a game which she loves. She also very much enjoyed English’s government and history courses. “Learning about the past is important so you can form your own opinion on issues,” she added.
Jessica had special praise for Sage Master, Director of the EHS Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center. The Center is supported through alumni donations. “Ms. Page helped with my writing skills and my college essay.” She is also grateful to guidance counselor Christina Calderon and history teacher Frank Swoboda for all their help navigating the college admission process.
Earlier this year EHSA President Mike Thomas announced that Jessica was awarded a scholarship from the Nollman Family Scholarship Fund established by Myron Nollman ’52.
Jessica is not sure what occupation she wants to go into after she graduates, but it would most likely be something in the field of medicine. We wish her well as she starts her college career.
From left, Jessica Tavares Lopes ’22, recipient of the Nollman Family Scholarship with Mike Thomas ’67, President and CEO of The English High School Association
The Nollman Family Scholarship
2022 is the first year for The Nollman Family Scholarship established by Myron “Mike” Nollman ’52. A few days before the Senior Class Award Ceremony was scheduled to be held at English, Mike Thomas of EHSA reached out to Mr. Nollman to ask if there was a special message he would like to give to the scholarship winner. Mr. Nollman’s response was,
“I am delighted that this scholarship will help a deserving English senior. Convey my congratulations and tell them from me that they are deserving of this recognition and the Nollman family is honored to contribute to their success in life.”
EHS senior Jessica Tavares Lopes, the first recipient of the Nollman Family Scholarship is well worthy of the honor. Jessica will be the first English High graduate to enroll at the prestigious Wellesley College. We know she has a great adventure ahead and we wish her well.
