Board of Education honors top-ranked seniors (Video)
CMSD NEWS BUREAU
5/20/2020
The COVID-19 outbreak could not stop the Board of Education’s tradition of publicly honoring top students in CMSD's high school graduating classes.
The photos of 62 valedictorians and salutatorians appeared on screen, along with an audio narrative, during a meeting the board held Tuesday, May 19 by teleconference. Board members and CEO Eric Gordon applauded and congratulated the students, including many following online.
“Personally, I find this to be one of the most exciting and gratifying evenings of the entire school year,” board Chair Anne E. Bingham said. “We are sorry not to be seeing you in person but very happy that we can celebrate together, even if it is at a distance.”
The valedictorians and salutatorians have collectively received more than $7.8 million in scholarships, not including Say Yes to Education tuition scholarships given to CMSD graduates.
Most are headed to a variety of colleges and universities, with Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College the top choices. Some of the other destinations include Columbia, Case Western Reserve, Oberlin, the University of Chicago and the Air Force Academy.
Board members encouraged the students to look past the pandemic and remain focused on what they can accomplish.
“Don’t let these crazy times shape your future,” Vice Chair Robert M. Heard Sr. said. “This is just a bump in the road. There is a lot of good stuff left to happen to you.”