Twenty-six Adult Learners Honored at Scholarship Ceremony Hosted by the Office of Boston Mayor Wu

2024-2025 First Literacy Scholars pictured with Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment for the Office of Mayor Michelle Wu. Photo Credit: Gregory Ciccarelli.

On August 15 the Office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hosted the 2024 First Literacy Scholarship Ceremony at Boston City Hall. The ceremony celebrated the 26 adult learners who were awarded First Literacy Scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year.

Since the Scholarship Program began in 1990, First Literacy has awarded over 600 scholarships to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Awards are given in recognition of educational achievements and potential, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardship. Eligibility is based on a nomination from the student’s Adult Basic Education program, acceptance to a college or training program, and proof of financial need.

This year Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment for the Office of Mayor Michelle Wu welcomed the scholars to the ceremony. Nguyen shared her own experience as a refugee immigrant who came to the United States with her family in the 1980’s. Her parents worked hard at low wage jobs to ensure that she had great opportunities in education.

“When I told my mom I was speaking at this event for First Literacy she said she wished she had First Literacy when she came to the United States,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen congratulated the scholars and encouraged the scholars to keep going after their dreams.

Valentina pictured with Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment for the Office of Mayor Michelle Wu. Photo Credit: Gregory Ciccarelli.

First Literacy Scholar, Valentina Ribas also shared her story during the ceremony. Ribas was awarded her fourth scholarship from First Literacy. Born and raised in Colombia, Valentina came to the United States when she was 19 years old. She explained how she had to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture all while battling a rare disease that causes painful benign tumors in her bones. Still, she knew she had many dreams to fulfill and was determined to achieve them.

“First Literacy stepped in guiding me and providing me with the support that I needed to navigate this new chapter,” said Ribas. “First Literacy believed in me and has been instrumental in my journey.”

Ribas recently graduated from Bunker Hill Community College, and with the First Literacy Scholarship she plans to continue her studies at Lesley University. Her dream is to become a psychologist.

“After so many years I am closer to achieving my dream. I am proud that First Literacy has agreed to support me in my journey as a student at Lesley University,” said Ribas.

In addition to scholars who were born in the U.S., this year’s scholars hail from: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Haiti, Bangladesh, Uruguay, Algeria, West Africa, Afghanistan, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Ivory Coast, and Brazil. Both new and continuing scholarships were awarded at the ceremony.

“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Terry Witherell, First Literacy Executive Director. “Every time I’m at this ceremony I am inspired by our scholars and their perseverance and I’m reminded why First Literacy matters. We are so proud of what our scholars have done already, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve in the future.”

Photo Credit: Gregory Ciccarelli