Governor Baker Visits Marlborough High School To Recognize College Prep Program

MARLBOROUGH, MA—Submitted by Marlborough Public Schools.

Balancing on one leg in front of a group of high school students isn’t a typical move for a Governor, but then again, Governor Baker is anything but typical.

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Governor visited Marlborough High School (MHS) to congratulate the district on Marlborough's exceptional early college program.

During his visit, Governor Baker attended several student presentations as well as Sean Mahoney's Psychology class. In Mahoney's class, where students were learning about neurotransmitters, Baker was asked to participate in an activity that required balancing on one leg. Standing tall at 6’6” and with agility, Baker maintained his balance to understand how habits are formed through neurotransmission and repetitive actions. Following the activity, he thanked the students. "You taught me something today.”

Baker was extremely impressed with the various work-related student presentations as well as the conversations he had with students in Karen Bento's English Composition I class. As an English major himself, Baker stressed the importance of writing skills and how to craft clear messages with supporting evidence. He also applauded the students for taking college credit courses at MHS through a partnership with Quinsigamond Community College. MHS students can earn up to 30 college credits, for free, through a dual enrollment program.

At the conclusion of Baker's tour, the Governor was presented with a wooden plaque custom-made by HS junior, Keshaun Kuykendol and a "The Marlborough Way" shirt by Principal Caliri.

Mayor Vigeant, Superintendent Greulich, and members of the School Committee were also present for the Governor's special visit. "We are grateful for the support that Governor Baker has

provided to our district and his commitment to career and college readiness for our students," stated Superintendent Greulich.

Dan Riley, Director of the STEM Early College High School, shared, “Early college is a strong model for any school district looking to support the college and career-readiness of its students. Students exit high school more prepared to enter and persist through the rigors of college-level work.”

Photos Submitted by Marlborough Public Schools:

#1 – Governor Baker attends a MHS psychology class and learns about neurotransmitters

#2 – Governor Baker at MHS STEM student presentation

#3 – Group photo from left to right, front row: School Committee members: Denise Ryan, Katherine Hennessy, Michelle Bodin-Hettinger, Heidi Mathews; Superintendent Maureen Greulich, Mayor Vigeant. Back row: Principal Charlie Caliri, Governor Charles Baker, Dan Riley, Director of STEM, MHS.

#4 – Charles Caliri, MHS Principal, thanks Governor Baker for visiting MHS and recognizing its exceptional career and college readiness program.