Although the class of 2006 was the first ever to graduate from Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School, Commencement 2006 was executed with a grace, class, solemnity, and dignity befitting older and more established institutions. From the beautiful setting of Mechanics Hall, to the thoughtful words of the speakers, and the musical performances of AKF students, everything was high-caliber. It was a fitting tribute to the momentous occasion of the first graduation in the history of the school.

 

Rev. Mark Beckwith delivered the Benediction, and then tenth-grader Damola Ogunjobi sang an impressive unaccompanied national anthem. Speakers included Head of School Dr. Cameron Dewar, President of the Board of Trustees Joseph Williams, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Janelle Ashley, President of Worcester State College. Saying she was humbled by the honor of being the first-ever commencement speaker in the history of the school, Dr. Ashley urged the graduates to be lifelong learners and to give back to their school.

 

Student speakers were Arlena Ferabolli, Salutatorian, Shelaigh Hyde, Class President, and Madison Dennis, Valedictorian.