the cheering, shouting, clapping and, yes, musical interludes emanating from the friends, family and GLCPS faculty and staff members who filled the auditorium at the University of Dartmouth on Sunday, June 7.
There were 49 graduates in the Class of 2026 with no senior left behind. As they each received their diplomas, the graduates were reminded of their many accomplishments over their four years of high school at Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS) preceded by their middle school experience at GLCPS.
During the graduation ceremony, GLCPS Executive Director Stephen Furtado, Jr. highlighted several accomplishments of the class, including:
The highest GPA in GLCPS history with 15 seniors graduating with a GPA exceeding 4.0.
Sixty-one percent achieved honors and highest honors.
Nineteen students earned the Seal of Biliteracy, with three earning it with distinction. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have proven proficiency in English and at least one world language which can result in colleges offering college credits for the distinction.
Thirty-eight students in the graduating class earned a total of 674 college credits which amounts to a total savings in college tuition of $202,200.
They completed 44 unique internship placements within the Greater New Bedford area with at least two of those placements resulting in employment opportunities for the students.
As a class, they have been offered over $3,000,000 in financial aid and scholarships.
New Bedford City Councilor Shane Burgo, who attended GLCPS middle school, brought well wishes from the city. He urged the students to continue to strive for greatness and to believe in themselves.
In her graduation remarks, Class Valedictorian Yaniris Rojas reflected on the relationships built with her classmates over the years, reminding them that “(W)e together learned how to push through hard days and adapt… we overcame with kindness and support towards one another…. Yes, people may forget what we achieved, but they will always remember who we were as a class.”
Keeping with its longstanding tradition of nurturing a family environment with its students, families and alumni, it’s worth noting that the GLCPS high school band, including members of the graduating class, provided the music for the ceremony. Meanwhile, Jillian Dunn, GLCPS alumna and owner of Whaling City Florist, provided floral arrangements for the event.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Mr. Furtado noted that this class held themselves to very high standards, pushing for new dual enrollment pathways, asking for expanded career exploration opportunities and creating new ways to give back to the community.
“With every ask of us, there was a plan for how, as a group, you would follow through. Mr. Furtado said. “And for every challenge, you showed the maturity, capability, and willingness to put in the work to rise and meet it.”
“I am grateful to all of you for wanting more, because in doing so, you have opened doors, shown what is possible, and raised the bar for the GLCPS students who will come after you.”