News

Today at an awards ceremony held in the Massachusetts Port Authority’s (Massport) Board Room, CEO & Executive Director Thomas J. Kinton, Jr., awarded three Boston public high school graduating seniors with diversity scholarships. Recognized for their academic excellence and ambitions to pursue a career in the transportation industry were Karen Wai Mun Chiu (Boston Latin School); Hector Granados (East Boston High School); and Griselda Reales (East Boston High School).

The scholarships are open to all seniors graduating from public and private high schools in the City of Boston and in Massport’s impacted communities of Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Applicants must have an interest and desire in pursuing a degree that could be utilized in the Transportation Industry. Areas of study may include: Aviation, Business Administration, Accounting, Architecture, Engineering, Finance and Human Resources.

“The City of Boston and our impacted communities produce some of the best and brightest high school students that will go on to pursue careers in transportation,” said Kinton. “For the third year in a row, I am pleased to see such interest and enthusiasm from these outstanding young men and women. We wish them well in their future endeavors.”

“As we continue to face unprecedented global challenges, progress in transportation is a critical requirement linked to economic recovery and future success.” said Sandra C. Buford, Ph.D, Director of Diversity at Massport. “A key business strategy of Massport involves tapping into the many diverse talents and achievements of outstanding college-bound students who demonstrate excellence, and the desire to make contributions to the transportation industry. We acknowledge these students with a 2009 Diversity Community Outreach Scholarship award.”

Karen Wai Mun Chiu of Brighton will attend Harvard College in the fall. While at Boston Latin, she completed a College Preparatory Curriculum that included honors and advanced placement classes. She also took courses at Harvard and MIT. Additionally, Karen was a peer tutor, and volunteered at the Red Cross Food Pantry and the New England Medical Center.

Hector Granados of East Boston will attend Wentworth Institute of Technology. While at East Boston High, he completed both honors and advanced placement classes ranking in the top 7 percent of his graduating class. Hector was also part of Zumix, a music-focused youth community arts program in East Boston. There he took classes in sound technology, radio journalism, and studio recording. In the fall, Hector will study Electromechanical Engineering.

Griselda Reales also of East Boston will attend Emerson College. While at East Boston High, she completed both honors and advanced placement classes, and took courses at Northeastern University. She was Vice President of the National Honors Society and a member of the Student Council and Key Club. She was also yearbook Design Editor and a member of the girls’ basketball team. In the fall, Griselda will study Marketing Communications.