Mission Hill’s Edward M. Kennedy Academy falls short for prestigious EdVestors prize

Earlier last month Mission Hill’s Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers was announced as a finalist for the prestigious EdVestors Prize. The other two schools were the F. Lyman Winship Elementary School in Brighton and Charles Sumner Elementary School, Roslindale. 

However, at the virtual ceremony on Wednesday, October 28 that was streamed live the Kennedy Academy fell short and it was announced that the Winship School in Brighton would receive the coveted $100,000 prize. 

The Kennedy Academy, as well as the Sumner School, will still get $20,000 for being one of the three finalists this year. 

For the past 14 years EdVestors, a school improvement organization in Boston, has awarded its $100,000 Thomas W. Payzant School on the Move Prize to recognize rapidly improving schools that have made exemplary progress in advancing the academic achievement of all students.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has required our teachers and school leaders to think creatively to ensure our students are engaged and learning to their fullest potential,” said Mayor Martin Walsh at the ceremony. “I want to congratulate the F. Lyman Winship and the other finalists for their hard work and dedication to Boston’s students always, but especially throughout the challenges of this pandemic.” 

The $20,000 the Kennedy will receive is double the usual runner-up prize thanks to a generous donation.

“The three finalist schools represent the critical work schools across the city are doing to improve educational opportunities for Boston’s young people during what continues to be a challenging year for schools, teachers, students and their families,” said Marinell Rousmaniere, President and CEO of EdVestors. “We are excited to shine a spotlight on the Winship as this year’s Prize winner and share the effective strategies they are using to meet the diverse needs of their students. As we look forward, their lessons should light the way for other schools to chart their improvement path.”

Of this year’s winner and the two other finalists, Boston Public School Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said, “All three schools prove that talented teams of teachers, staff and administrators working together to support students and families ​–​ and each other ​–​ is a winning combination. As we navigate this new reality in public education, BPS is fortunate to have such exemplary leadership and collaboration to look to within our own community.”

The Kennedy Academy is a college preparatory and vocational high school for Boston students exploring careers in health and health-related professions. The Academy provides a supportive learning environment that promotes respect and embraces diversity.

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