"If I was at another school, I would have dropped out..."

Dear Friend,

We at Fenway High School know that talent is evenly distributed among zip code, but unfortunately, opportunities are not.

Students like Paola, a nearly straight-A student with aspirations of attending medical school, often struggle to balance the demands of academics and extracurricular activities, while helping to care for younger siblings or working long hours to support their family. Paola shared with me recently, “If I was at another school, I would have dropped out.”

Thanks to incredible champions like you, Fenway is able to support students like Paola, ensuring they have the academic foundation and emotional support to succeed in high school and beyond. Paola is able to attend our after-school mentoring and tutoring program where she has access to a computer and wi-fi to complete her homework. Ms. Downey-Leonard, Paola’s Student Support Counselor, can provide her and her family with counseling and resources needed to empower both Paola and her sister to be successful in school.

While much of Fenway's funding is allocated through Boston Public Schools' budget, we simply could not provide the incredible opportunities and wraparound support that are hallmarks of a Fenway education without your support. I hope you’ll join me and make a gift in support of Fenway students like Paola, so they can receive the educational opportunities they need and deserve.

You know that a school culture built on high expectations and high empathy allows young people to succeed in high school and beyond. Together, we work to empower Boston’s youth to achieve their dreams, and we are so grateful for your leadership and support.

Happy Holidays!

With gratitude,

Geoffrey Walker
Head of School

PS. Paola has submitted eight college applications and was just nominated for the highly competitive “Menino Scholarship.” Last week, she won first place at our annual senior Science Fair at the Museum of Science. Your unwavering commitment to Fenway ensures all 377 of our students become critical thinkers, curious learners, engaged citizens, and community leaders, regardless of the zip code they live in. Thank you for your support.