I wonder if when the 1918 influenza pandemic hit the US, valedictorians across the country still had to write speeches. Regardless of whether they did or didn’t, this is Boston Prep we’re talking about, the school that “can’t stop; won’t stop,” so here I am, reading my speech to you. I wish that this speech would come as easy to me as the rest of the essays I have ever written for this school. In a moment when I should have the right words to say, I don’t.

A combination of virtual events and a socially distanced drive-through ceremony enabled us to celebrate the graduation of the Boston Prep High School Class of 2020, College Class of 2024!

Learn more about this year's senior class, including which lucky college campuses will welcome them this fall.

The Du Bois Award is one of the highest honors at Boston Prep, awarded each week to one deserving student in front of the entire school community.  Named after W. E. B. Du Bois, the award recognizes a student who embodies the core virtues of Boston Prep -- courage, compassion, integrity, perseverance, and respect.  The award is an opportunity to highlight students who have shown high levels of academic achievement or growth along with a high level of character development.  In essence, Du Bois Award winners are students who embody the mission of Boston Prep.

It was late August, and suddenly, the moment I’d been anticipating for years had arrived.  My husband and I were dropping off our baby, Nyanja, for her freshman year at Lafayette College.  The bed was made up with the new sheets, bedspread, and pillows. The dorm room was decorated with countless photos of friends and family.  We had found the dining hall, the laundry machines, and the health center. We hugged and waved goodbye, leaving our baby to navigate her new world.