High Achievers

Students were honored at the 28th annual Multicultural High School Achievers Award Ceremony. (Photos by Naomi McPeters)

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 22, 2016) — More than 250 exceptional high school students received awards Saturday, September 17, at the 28th annual Multicultural High School Achievers Award Ceremony, held on the UAlbany main campus.

The awards honor those high school students, from the Capital Region and across New York state, who have achieved academic excellence and have been involved in exceptional extracurricular activities throughout their high school careers.

“We look for students who are leaders in their community and future role models of tomorrow,” said Yessenia Raposo of the Office of Access and Academic Enrichment.

The event was staffed by student volunteers from the University. “I want to be a high school teacher, so the more experience I have teaching, dealing and interacting with high school students will benefit me in the long run,” said volunteer Alondra Sanchez, a sophomore history major.

Student winners and their parents spent the morning attending workshops in the Massry Center for Business. They learned about financial aid, student life and other University services before heading to the Campus Center Ballroom for the awards ceremony.

Cristian Palma, a 2016 Chancellor Award winner, gives the keynote address.

Cristian Palma, a UAlbany alum and a Chancellor Award winner for Spring 2016, was the keynote speaker, sharing his life experiences and encouraging the attendees never to give up on what they hope to accomplish.

At the ceremony, the high schoolers shared words of gratitude as they accepted their awards, and most thanked the supporters in their lives who had enabled them to succeed — most often parents, grandparents and guidance counselors.

For more information about the Multicultural High School Achievers Awards, contact Gale Butler, [email protected] or Rolando Valentin, [email protected]

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