On Wednesday, May 21, Lynn Classical AP students, Sadiejon Galland, Sarita Guzman Morales, Rowan Shehata, and Eileen Portillo Toledo accompanied by Mr. McQueen and Mr. Mower visited the State House for AP Day. Along with students from other schools all over Massachusetts they were welcomed by: MA Secretary of Education, Patrick Tutwiler; Commissioner of Higher Education, Noe Ortega and the sponsor of a bill to universalize AP credits for colleges in Massachusetts, Rep. Judith Garcia.
Secretary Tutwiler told the assembled students that, “One in three Massachusetts students scored a 3+ on an AP exam this year — the highest in the nation and in our state’s history!” he closed with the affirmation: “Students: Your hard work matters. Your success matters. Keep going.”
Following this, students went to representatives’ offices lobbying for Bill H14- 32 which would ensure college credit for students scoring a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams.
State Rep. Sean Reid and State Sen. Brendan Creighton, both proud Lynn Classical Rams, met the Classical party, offered their support for the bill and took the students to the Senate Chamber to see the budget being debated.
The day wrapped up with lunch and remarks from Sen. Mike Moore and Rep. Dave Rogers. The Classical students left better educated, invigorated and optimistic about the future, as all the lawmakers emphasized the importance of them telling their stories.
The following are insights from Classical students who attended AP Day:
Rowan Shehata:
Our visit to the State House for AP Day was an unforgettable experience. It allowed my classmates and me to talk to policymakers and advocate for policies to help us and other students build a better college experience. Lynn Classical was one of many schools that attended this special day. AP Day is a celebration of success and hard work that students from schools across Massachusetts dedicate to building their futures, while also advocating for the future generations to come. We had the opportunity to advocate for a policy that commits colleges and universities to accept a 3, 4, or 5 and give the student credit for it. As a senior myself, I was able to advocate for other students who will come after me, helping them save money and time.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to introduce Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, our passionate and caring Secretary of Education. Although it was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I have ever had, it was also one of the most unforgettable. I’d like to thank the College Board for creating this amazing event and giving such meaningful opportunities to students like me.
Sadiejon Galland:
“AP day was a great experience that I am so grateful to have been a part of. Going to Boston to benefit students in the future of college education was such an awesome thing. Meeting people who are a part of the College Board that were also trying to better our experiences within the classroom made all the difference. “
Eileen Portillo Toledo:
Being at AP Day expanded my knowledge about the purpose of AP classes. The focus was placed on real problems related to AP rather than studying the course materials, such as many colleges not offering credits for any scores below 5. I realized from listening to coordinators and State House employees that AP isn’t only a challenge in classes, it’s linked to talking about fairness, opportunity and access. Being present during State House debates allowed me to understand the ways policies can affect students like us and it showed me how much AP can assist us in our future education and involvement.
Sarita Guzman Morales:
AP day for me was a nice experience; it was nice to speak and interact with senators and people who genuinely care about our education. Also, it was comforting to see that so many people still care about which way our education is going and how they get together to find better ways to improve it. I also liked how I was able to experience people in action and debating a bill. Overall, it was a fun and nice experience.
