Bunker Hill Community College Student Named One of '29 Who Shine' in Commonwealth

A Bunker Hill Community College student this week was named one of "29 Who Shine" at colleges across Massachusetts.

Valter Gomes is a business major at BHCC, which has a campus in Charlestown, and was one of 29 public college and university students to be recognized for their academic achievements and civic contributions to the Commonwealth. 

Gomes, an honors student who is co-president of the BHCC Sustainability Club, spearheaded the “Rethink the Way You Drink" campaign, which led to the installation of a water hydration system at BHCC's Charlestown campus.

"Valter arrived at Bunker Hill Community College with a strong interest in sustainability and a passion for entrepreneurship," according to his bio posted on the 29 Who Shine Awards page.

"The first in his family to graduate from college, Valter now helps others as a BHCC student mentor. He also returns to East Boston High School each year to speak with students about how to avoid gang life and overcome educational barriers," according to the site.

Following criteria established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, each of the 29 public college and university campuses in Massachusetts selected one student to honor with the 29 Who Shine award. Students had to have a strong academic record, have made a contribution to the state's "civic well-being" and be Massachusetts residents who plan to stay in the state after graduation, according to a press release.

“These 29 students represent the best the Commonwealth has to offer,” Secretary of Education Matthew Malone said in a statement. “By making a commitment to their education and to the communities where they live these students make Massachusetts a better place to live now and will certainly help strengthen the economic future of all our cities and towns.”

Gov. Patrick said that each of the 29 students has "a remarkable story to tell."

"Collectively, they remind us that investing in them is investing in our future," Patrick said.

For a complete list of students honored, visit the 29 Who Shine Award page.