February 4, 2024
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 13
QuestBridge Scholars Thalia Patino Molana, Gabriellie De Gouveia, and Aeshah Mohammed.
De Gouveia, Mohammed, and Patino Molana Earn Prestigious Honor
Three Everett High School (EHS) seniors have been named QuestBridge Scholars, a distinction as prestigious as it is valuable.
Gabriellie De Gouveia, Aeshah Mohammed, and Thalia Patino Molana are among a very select group chosen from a nationwide pool of qualified applicants to be included in QuestBridge’s 2024 Match Scholarship program. De Gouveia is headed to the College of the Holy Cross, while Mohammed and Patino Molana will attend Boston College and Boston University, respectively.
QuestBridge Scholars receive full tuition, including room and board and books and supplies — for four years. This year, 20,800 students from across the country applied, and 6,683 advanced to the final round. From there, QuestBridge’s 50 college partners “matched” with 2,242 students, marking the highest number of Match Scholarship Recipients since QuestBridge’s founding in 1994.
“To have three of our graduating seniors named QuestBridge scholars is an incredible source of pride for Everett High School, our district, and our city,” said Superintendent William Hart. “It is my pleasure to extend the congratulations of the EPS to these exceptional students and their families.”
QuestBridge describes itself as a “powerful platform that connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education. By facilitating these exchanges, QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation's best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself.”
De Gouveia is enrolled in EHS’s Marketing Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program. Mohammed, a member of the Medical Assisting CTE Program, plans on studying medicine at Boston College. And Patino Molana, a student in the Law and Government Pathway, intends on studying political science and international relations at Boston University.
When asked to pinpoint a class and a teacher that helped her become a QuestBridge scholar, De Gouveia identified the AP Language and Composition course taught by EHS English teacher Michael Fineran.
“I firmly believe that my essays and supplements were my strongest allies within my application,” De Gouveia said. “Without the knowledge I gained in Mr. Fineran’s class, my application may not have been as strong.”
Mohammed agreed, saying “Mr. Fineran made sure my writing was college quality.”
“Gabi and Aeshah are very deserving students,” Mr. Fineran said. “No matter the topic or the assignment, they were curious, engaged, and thoughtful.”
De Gouveia also cited her involvement in the Marketing CTE Pathway as a key to her success. “The Pathway significantly influenced my readiness for college,” she said. “In the marketing program, I was able to put out a strong brand for myself in my application.”
“I’m going to miss Gabi,” said Marketing CTE teacher Siobhan Sullivan. “During class discussions, she asks high-level questions, and she makes me a better teacher because of her curiosity to learn.”
Mohammed is firm in her desire to pursue a career in medicine, an interest she says has been cultivated by Medical Assisting CTE Instructor Desirae Peary.
“Ms. Peary is an amazing teacher who always encourages me to do my best,” she said. “She helped us get into clinicals, which gave me a sneak peak of my future career. [This helped me realize that] this field is the right one for me.”
“Aeshah is always so enthusiastic about her education,” Ms. Peary said. “She is the type of student who is ready to learn with a smile on her face. She has inspired me through her enthusiasm, curiosity, and unique perspectives. Boston College is truly lucky to have her!”
Patino Molana credits the EHS History Department and law and government teacher Carolyn MacWilliam for fostering her passion for all things politics — locally, regionally, and globally.
“Mrs. MacWilliam has pushed me to be the best version of myself and guided me to be passionate and honest on the issues I care about in this city,” said Patino Molana.
“Thalia is an amazing young woman,” said Ms. MacWilliam. “I look forward to the day when I can vote for her when she runs for public office. While many people express a desire to change the world, Thalia has taken tangible steps to improve the community. Her level of civic engagement at such a young age is truly inspirational and makes me hopeful for the future!”
And where does Patino Molana see her future heading? “I see myself working in Campaign Finance Law,” she said. “Stopping corruption all over the world.”
According to QuestBridge, the 2024 Match Recipients boast an average unweighted GPA of 3.94, while 93 percent are in the top 10 percent of their graduating class. QuestBridge also notes that 82 percent of the scholarship winners are among the first in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.
“I feel really excited and proud to have matched with a top school like Boston University,” said Patino Molana. “I feel safe and secure knowing I can achieve my dreams without worrying about the cost and obstacles I would have faced as a first-generation Latina student.”
Gabriellie De Gouveia, Aeshah Mohammed, and Thalia Patino Molana are among a very select group chosen from a nationwide pool of qualified applicants to be included in QuestBridge’s 2024 Match Scholarship program. De Gouveia is headed to the College of the Holy Cross, while Mohammed and Patino Molana will attend Boston College and Boston University, respectively.
QuestBridge Scholars receive full tuition, including room and board and books and supplies — for four years. This year, 20,800 students from across the country applied, and 6,683 advanced to the final round. From there, QuestBridge’s 50 college partners “matched” with 2,242 students, marking the highest number of Match Scholarship Recipients since QuestBridge’s founding in 1994.
“To have three of our graduating seniors named QuestBridge scholars is an incredible source of pride for Everett High School, our district, and our city,” said Superintendent William Hart. “It is my pleasure to extend the congratulations of the EPS to these exceptional students and their families.”
QuestBridge describes itself as a “powerful platform that connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education. By facilitating these exchanges, QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation's best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself.”
De Gouveia is enrolled in EHS’s Marketing Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program. Mohammed, a member of the Medical Assisting CTE Program, plans on studying medicine at Boston College. And Patino Molana, a student in the Law and Government Pathway, intends on studying political science and international relations at Boston University.
When asked to pinpoint a class and a teacher that helped her become a QuestBridge scholar, De Gouveia identified the AP Language and Composition course taught by EHS English teacher Michael Fineran.
“I firmly believe that my essays and supplements were my strongest allies within my application,” De Gouveia said. “Without the knowledge I gained in Mr. Fineran’s class, my application may not have been as strong.”
Mohammed agreed, saying “Mr. Fineran made sure my writing was college quality.”
“Gabi and Aeshah are very deserving students,” Mr. Fineran said. “No matter the topic or the assignment, they were curious, engaged, and thoughtful.”
De Gouveia also cited her involvement in the Marketing CTE Pathway as a key to her success. “The Pathway significantly influenced my readiness for college,” she said. “In the marketing program, I was able to put out a strong brand for myself in my application.”
“I’m going to miss Gabi,” said Marketing CTE teacher Siobhan Sullivan. “During class discussions, she asks high-level questions, and she makes me a better teacher because of her curiosity to learn.”
Mohammed is firm in her desire to pursue a career in medicine, an interest she says has been cultivated by Medical Assisting CTE Instructor Desirae Peary.
“Ms. Peary is an amazing teacher who always encourages me to do my best,” she said. “She helped us get into clinicals, which gave me a sneak peak of my future career. [This helped me realize that] this field is the right one for me.”
“Aeshah is always so enthusiastic about her education,” Ms. Peary said. “She is the type of student who is ready to learn with a smile on her face. She has inspired me through her enthusiasm, curiosity, and unique perspectives. Boston College is truly lucky to have her!”
Patino Molana credits the EHS History Department and law and government teacher Carolyn MacWilliam for fostering her passion for all things politics — locally, regionally, and globally.
“Mrs. MacWilliam has pushed me to be the best version of myself and guided me to be passionate and honest on the issues I care about in this city,” said Patino Molana.
“Thalia is an amazing young woman,” said Ms. MacWilliam. “I look forward to the day when I can vote for her when she runs for public office. While many people express a desire to change the world, Thalia has taken tangible steps to improve the community. Her level of civic engagement at such a young age is truly inspirational and makes me hopeful for the future!”
And where does Patino Molana see her future heading? “I see myself working in Campaign Finance Law,” she said. “Stopping corruption all over the world.”
According to QuestBridge, the 2024 Match Recipients boast an average unweighted GPA of 3.94, while 93 percent are in the top 10 percent of their graduating class. QuestBridge also notes that 82 percent of the scholarship winners are among the first in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.
“I feel really excited and proud to have matched with a top school like Boston University,” said Patino Molana. “I feel safe and secure knowing I can achieve my dreams without worrying about the cost and obstacles I would have faced as a first-generation Latina student.”
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From left: EHS Culinary Arts instructor Corey Bourassa, Teddie Peanut Butter Director of Marketing and Sales Mark Nazarian, Gretchen Manning of the EPS, Teddie Peanut Butter Challenge winners Ritchelmia Auguste (Sweet) and Pietra Bertolazzi (Savory), Teddie Peanut Butter executives Brianna Soule and Brittany L’Italien, and EHS Culinary Arts Department Head Carolynn Parmenter.
What a Spread: Teddie Peanut Butter Challenge!
Culinary Arts Students Showcase their Immense Talents
Culinary Arts Students Showcase their Immense Talents
Everett High School (EHS) Culinary Arts students showcased their technical skills and creativity during the 3rd Annual Teddie Peanut Butter Challenge, a fun and high-energy competition in which the young chefs were tasked with making a sweet or savory dish featuring the beloved product that is made here in Everett.
The Challenge, held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, featured 12 senior culinary arts students. They created a full-size presentation plate, as well as small portions for the four judges: Gretchen Manning from the Everett Public Schools (EPS) Central Administration and Teddie Peanut Butter executives Mark Nazarian, Brianna Soule, and Brittany L’Italien. The judges had the pleasure of sampling 12 creations — six sweet and six savory — but the difficult choice of picking winners in each category.
The Challenge, held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, featured 12 senior culinary arts students. They created a full-size presentation plate, as well as small portions for the four judges: Gretchen Manning from the Everett Public Schools (EPS) Central Administration and Teddie Peanut Butter executives Mark Nazarian, Brianna Soule, and Brittany L’Italien. The judges had the pleasure of sampling 12 creations — six sweet and six savory — but the difficult choice of picking winners in each category.
The dishes were judged on overall flavor, presentation, originality, and how they represented the Teddie Peanut Butter brand. When the points were tabulated, Ritchelmia Aguste and Pietra Bertolazzi were crowned the winners. Aguste served a Biscoff Peanut Butter Tiramisu, while Bertolazzi made sweet and spicy peanut butter wings with cucumber salad.
In addition to conceptualizing and making delicious dishes featuring Teddie Peanut Butter, the students did an excellent job of presenting and describing their creations to the judges. Teddie Peanut Butter is a family company that started producing peanut butter in 1930 and has been headquartered in Everett since 1969.
The complete list of talented competitors:
Ritchelmia Auguste — Biscoff Peanut Butter Tiramisu
Cindy Emile — Peanut Butter and Jelly Macaron
Jeleinee Hernandez Cepeda — Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cake
The complete list of talented competitors:
Ritchelmia Auguste — Biscoff Peanut Butter Tiramisu
Cindy Emile — Peanut Butter and Jelly Macaron
Jeleinee Hernandez Cepeda — Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cake
Joshua Boa — Peanut Butter Chicken Curry
Gregory Barros — Peanut Butter Udon Noodles
Camila Ferreira — Peanut butter Mousse Trifle with Brownie
Camila Ferreira — Peanut butter Mousse Trifle with Brownie
Thiago De Aguiar — Peanut Butter Coxinhas with Maionese de Batata
Mariela Chacon — Peanut Butter and Banana Semifreddo
Izabela Araujo — Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding Pie with Peanut Butter Crisps
Pietra Bertolazzi — Sweet and Spicy Peanut Butter Wings with Cucumber Salad
Elizabeth Connell — Peanut Butter and Pork-Filled Dumplings
Tyana Williams — Spicy Chicken Kebabs with Spicy Peanut Sauce over Coconut Rice
Special thanks to Culinary Arts Department Head Carolyn Parmenter, Chef/Instructor Corey Bourassa, and the Teddie Peanut Butter team for offering this high-visibility opportunity to our students.
The 12 talented senior culinary arts students who competed in the
3rd Annual Everett High School/Teddie Peanut Butter Challenge.
3rd Annual Everett High School/Teddie Peanut Butter Challenge.
Vision of the Graduate Awards Program
Congratulations, Lauren Sanchez Cespedes
Six Everett High School (EHS) students were presented with the first-ever Vision of the Graduate (VOG) Recognition Award for Resiliency during a brief ceremony inside Principal Dennis Lynch’s office on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Pictured above is recipient Laura Sanchez Cespedes, who was not available on January 4th. She is pictured with her nominating teacher, Josephine Dougan of the EHS Art Department. The Recognition Award for Resiliency award winners were honored for demonstrating “Tenacity, Flexibility, Courage, Optimism, and a Growth Mindset.”
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Everett High School Education Pathway
First-Ever Mentoring Day a Huge Success
The Everett High School (EHS) Education Pathway hosted its first-ever Mentoring Day event on January 26, 2024.
Sixty-five (65) students enrolled in Education 1, 2, and 3 classes attended and participated in a series of table discussions inside the EHS Library. The senior Pathway students facilitated engaging and useful conversations among the aspiring educators.
The sophomores and juniors prepared questions about the pathway, the internship program for EHS seniors, and the post-high school planning process. Students rotated between the tables to meet different senior interns.
Thanks to Education teachers Sarah Simmons and Amanda Pickowicz and Pathway Director Ryan McGowan for organizing this opportunity for our students.
Sixty-five (65) students enrolled in Education 1, 2, and 3 classes attended and participated in a series of table discussions inside the EHS Library. The senior Pathway students facilitated engaging and useful conversations among the aspiring educators.
The sophomores and juniors prepared questions about the pathway, the internship program for EHS seniors, and the post-high school planning process. Students rotated between the tables to meet different senior interns.
Thanks to Education teachers Sarah Simmons and Amanda Pickowicz and Pathway Director Ryan McGowan for organizing this opportunity for our students.
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Coffee with the Superintendent
Thank You to the Whittier School!
Superintendent William Hart enjoyed Coffee and a Chat with the teachers and staff at the Whittier School on Friday, January 26, 2024. Thanks to Principal Michael McLucas, Assistant Principal Cara Fidalgo, and the entire Whittier team for hosting the Superintendent. Pictured above, from left: Eighth grade science teacher Joe Lento, fourth grade teacher Brynden Gibbens, Superintendent Hart, Wilson Reading Interventionist Mary Ann Sottosanti, fourth grade teachers Kathryn Chadwick and Jennifer Valley, and math interventionist Daniela Faia.
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