More Boston Public School Valedictorians Choose to Study at Northeastern University

Seven of Boston’s top students will attend Northeastern

BOSTON – June 26, 2008 – Northeastern University is proud to welcome seven valedictorians from the Boston Public Schools Class of 2008. Out of 38 valedictorians that graduated from a Boston Public School, seven – more than any other college or university – have chosen to attend Northeastern University as members of the 111th entering class. The new students will be pursuing degrees in a variety of disciplines, including marine science, engineering and business administration.

Northeastern’s commitment to the City of Boston and its residents is exemplified by the number of scholarships and grants awarded to Boston Public School seniors each year, including the awards given to this group of valedictorians.

Below is a listing of the students and what high school they graduated from at the top of their class:

  • Thao Nguyen from Excel Academy in South Boston
  • Miinh Thach from Edward G. Noonan, Jr. Business Academy in Dorchester
  • Keaboka Nyumbu from Odyssey High School in South Boston
  • Rochelle Willis from the Engineering School in Dorchester
  • Chioma Nwaoha from English High School in Dorchester
  • Carmen Lydia Torres from Monument High School in South Boston
  • Arlina Aguasvivas from Brook Farm Business and Service Academy in Jamaica Plain

“We are honored that these exceptional students have chosen to attend Northeastern, and we welcome them into the Northeastern community,” said Ronne Patrick Turner, Northeastern’s Dean of Admissions and New Student & Family Services. “We are committed to providing opportunities for the residents of Boston, and we look forward to bringing these and all of our students the unique experiences Northeastern provides both in and out of the classroom.”

In this entering class, fifty four students from the Boston Public School system will attend Northeastern on a full scholarship or grant. More than 25 students are receiving our most prestigious awards, which include The Carl S. Ell, The Ralph J. Bunche, The Reggie Lewis, The Torch Scholarship and the Boston Public High School Scholarships. Additionally, students are receiving the Boston Housing Authority Scholarship, the Ujima Scholarship Grant and the Balfour Academy Scholarship.

For more information about Northeastern’s incoming class, please contact Jenny Eriksen at (617) 373-2802 or via email at j.eriksen@neu.edu.

About Northeastern

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement, and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. The university’s distinctive cooperative education program, where students alternate semesters of full-time study with semesters of paid work in fields relevant to their professional interests and major, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world.The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in six undergraduate colleges, eight graduate schools, and two part-time divisions. For more information, please visit www.northeastern.edu.