Program Open to Graduating Students from Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop Public High Schools
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority’s (Massport) Office of Diversity today presented scholarships to three Boston Public School graduating seniors as part of an award ceremony held each year at Massport’s administrative offices at Boston Logan International Airport.
The program, which started in 2007, is open to all seniors graduating from public high schools in the City of Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. Applicants must have an interest in pursuing a degree that could be used in a career in transportation industries. Areas of study may include: Aviation, Business Administration, Accounting, Architecture, Engineering, Finance and Human Resources.
This year’s winners are Leticia Lopez-Benitez, Boston Latin Academy; Alula Shiferaw, The Engineering School; and Juan Chen, John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science.
“Massport is proud to be able to support some of the area’s best and brightest young men and women as they begin their college careers,’’ said Thomas J. Kinton, Jr., CEO and Executive Director of Massport. “And we look forward to the opportunity to welcome them when they begin their career in transportation.’’
“Diversity is important in every profession and we are thrilled to help foster diversity in the transportation industries,’’ said Sandra C. Buford, Ph.D, Director of Diversity at Massport. “We look forward to continuing the Diversity Scholarship program in the years to come.’’
Lopez-Benitez, a resident of East Boston, will attend Tufts University to study Civil Engineering. Lopez-Benitez is a Mayor’s Youth Council Representative for East Boston and a volunteer for City Year. She has also participated in the Museum of Science’s Summer Program as an Assistant Leader. Lopez-Benitez was the alumni/ae speaker at her school’s annual fundraising gala, and has worked as a Math tutor at the Excel Academy Charter School Saturday program for three consecutive years. Leticia is also a member of the National Honor Society.
Shiferaw, a resident of Roxbury, will pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Shiferaw was chairman of the Seniors Fundraising Committee, and a volunteer tutor. He also qualified for the City of Boston and State Science Fairs, and participated in the ACE Architectural Mentor program. Shiferaw is a member of the National Honor Society.
Chen, a resident of Chinatown, will attend Bentley University to pursue dual degrees in Accounting and Finance. Chen was president of the Origami Club and graphic designer for the Asian Culture Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the 2010 recipient of the Harvard Book Club award. She is also a volunteer at the Chinatown Neighborhood Center as a mentor and as a painter for the Artists for Humanity, and participated in the Youth Leadership Program for girls at the R.F. Kennedy Corps.
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. For more information please visit massport.com.