Red Sox Scholars arrive . . . and graduate

The newest class of Red Sox Scholars were inducted yesterday, and the oldest class had a graduation ceremony. To recall, a key component of our partnership with the Boston Red Sox is to be Presenting Sponsor of the Red Sox Scholars. Each year we select 25 fifth grade boys and girls to participate in the program. They receiving mentoring, exposure to people and programs here at BIDMC, and a scholarship when they graduate high school and go to college.

The first class we chose, from 2003, has now finished high school, and many were on hand yesterday to be recognized for their achievement. Meanwhile, the cycle continued with the induction of the class of 2010.

In the video, you see Meg Vaillancourt, Executive Director of the Red Sox Foundation, introducing these two classes at a gathering before the on-field ceremony. Then you see them entering the field before yesterday's Sox-Phillies baseball game. Red Sox President Larry Lucchino was on hand to personally congratulate the seniors, who were later introduced one by one to the entire stadium. Among others, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson was there to shake hands.

Then, the fifth graders, escorted by a baseball player and a BIDMC medical champion, were introduced to the crowd. Finally, BIDMC Board Chair Steve Kay joined a member of each class for a ceremonial first pitch.

If you cannot see the video, click here.