President’s Message – September, 2023

How Well Do You Know English High School?

How well do you know your Alma Mater? We talk about English High School each month but how is our school is doing? We think it’s doing very well. Here’s a recap, you decide.

Consider this…English High is a non-exam school open to any student resident of Boston. No matter where you live, you can choose English. We boast an 82% graduation rate (based on 2022 data) that has been on a steady upwards path for the past 6 years. Impressive for a predominantly-immigrant student population. Many students are first in their families to go to high school and on to college. Over 30% of our students are still learning English.

English High’s Offerings

Career Pathways program offers five vocational areas of study which ‘give a flavor for’ different industries students might want to pursue. For many of these students who are college bound, it gives insights into a future career focus.

Here I am with Sarelis Arias Vasquez ’23, recipient of our Stella & Emmanuel Mavridis Scholarship and one of the students who have benefitted from assistance at our Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center. Sarelis is now in the Nursing Program at Simmons College here in Boston. She is a wonderful young woman and a true English High success story!

The EHS Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center (AFTC) was originally conceived to help students with writing English essays. It has morphed into a multi-subject, multi-tutors in the classroom as well as one-on-one learning. We conducted 736 tutoring sessions (many of those sessions are multiple sessions with the same student), since we work over time with many students. One of our most prolific metrics is 94% of all seniors who frequent the AFTC are accepted at college!

It is a quiet place where students can get college essay and college application support. Your English High School Association pays 100% of the program costs.

Music/Arts/Theater programs attract creative students and provide motivation to be present to cultivate their talents. We boast Boston’s only actual ‘marching band’ in our Public School system. We teach individualized instruction, band ensembles, Step Dancing, and computerized DJ software programs. Our Drumline is top shelf.

EHS Sports Team competitiveness has rebounded at English in several major areas. The Football team has beaten Latin 2 years running (first time since 1962) and is looking for a Three-peat this year on Thanksgiving morning at Harvard Stadium. Boy’s Basketball reached the State Tournament Elite 8 last year with a late-season push. Baseball under 2^nd year coach Christian Ortiz, was 24-1 last year; with their only loss coming in Final Four semi-finals of the State Tournament. Coach Ortiz says they will be better this year. English Girl’s Volleyball hopes to do well this year as does the English Girl’s Softball team which had recently won a City Championship.

The Library at English High School today

A Revitalized English High Library accomplishes a vision of educational inspiration. It provides literature classics in Spanish as well as English. Educational trend-setter and library head, Dave Barry, has spearheaded increased attendance and interest in his Library surroundings with: famous alumni artworks, donated greenery, bookcases full of classics, and computers…. with the help of your EHSA.

We are especially proud of the recent addition of two popular lithographs by world-renowned artist, and English High alumnus, Allan Rohan Crite ’29  who depicted ‘everyday black life’ in the 1930-40’s Boston. Mr. Barry relates, ‘I could not think of a better place for students to read than under the aura of Mr. Crite’s art.

Your Alma Mater recently got to the semi-finals of EdVestors, ‘School on The Move’ contest. The School on the Move Prize ($100,000) spotlights the most notable school-wide improvements happening across Boston Public Schools. Head of School, Caitlin Murphy, was quoted, ‘it was an honor to be nominated and to advance to the semi-final round nonetheless.’

Finally, your Association as a 501 (C) (3), functions in direct support of English High School. Using our resources that support and inspire students in their educational pursuits and celebrates distinguished alumni achievement… is our Mission.

It remains our goal to provide more in scholarships to our high school than ever before. In the past 3 years alone, we have raised $1MM for our alumni and school activities.

To those who have given, my sincere ‘thanks’. If possible, please take this opportunity to consider a gift today to support The English High Association. By supporting us you support your English High students and our school and bolster its legacy in educational history.