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Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy graduate Erick Abraham Zepeda Martinez dances across the stage to receive his diploma. (Spenser Hasak) Purchase this photo

Frederick Douglass Academy graduates 76

Dylan Pichnarcik

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LYNN — Every school has a first graduating class, but few can claim one quite like this. Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy’s inaugural graduating class received its diplomas Thursday, and more than half of its students had enough college credits to earn an associate degree, turning a milestone commencement into a historic achievement.

Of the 76 students who became the first Frederick Douglass graduates ever, 58 earned enough college credits to walk in the North Shore Community College graduation held on May 22, with 37 completing the requirements for an associate’s degree, meaning they technically graduated from college before high school.

The 58 Frederick Douglass Academy seniors who walked in the North Shore Community College graduation either completed their associate’s degree requirements or earned enough credits to be within two courses of it. They were recognizable at the college’s commencement, wearing orange stoles with “FDCA” on them.

“To see that sea of orange in the crowd and the reaction of our students was phenomenal,” Frederick Douglass Principal Heather Fabiano said.

Among this class of high-achieving students are two who not only shared the classroom — they shared a home. 

Frances Pecjo, the salutatorian and class president, and Francheska Pecjo, the valedictorian, are twins. 

“Before we begin, I’d like for you to guess which twin I am,” Frances Pecjo joked before starting her speech. 

“None of us really knew what the school would become or what we would become, but somehow, for all the work, all the uncertainty, we built something special,” she said. “Because we are the first class, we figured out everything as we went. We worked together, struggled together, and grew together.” 

Frances Pecjo said high school changes people, noting a time when she was academically successful, but felt closed off and isolated. 

“That’s when I realized high school is never about achieving, it’s about the people who make their hard moments easier and the ordinary moments unforgettable. Together, we learned confidence, resilience, and the importance of having people beside you while growing up,” she said. 

Francheska Pecjo said she was encouraged by the people around her, the “smiles and waves in the hallways to long, meaningful conversations, quick chats with teachers … those moments truly made me feel seen and cared for.” 

Francheska Pecjo said, “In life, you always strive for more, but don’t forget we are enough. Though I want everyone to keep growing and keep moving. I want you guys to take it, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Take it easy sometimes. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to become someone you’re proud of becoming.” 

“All I do is cry,” said Fabiano, who has been at the school since its inception and felt like a proud mother as much as an administrator. “I don’t know how to describe it. It’s so amazing to see the kids grow physically, academically, and socially.”

In the wall-to-wall early college model, students take their college courses at North Shore Community College and their high school classes at 195 Market St. By the time they are seniors, they take a full college schedule on campus.

“You will always be remembered as the class that didn’t just follow a path — you created one,” Superintendent Dr. Molly Cohen told the graduates. “As the first graduating class of Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy, you have done something extraordinary. You didn’t just attend high school — you redefined what high school could be. You took on the challenge of being both high school students and college students at the same time, developing not only academic knowledge, but discipline, independence, and intellectual curiosity. That is no small accomplishment.”

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, who also serves as chair of the School Committee, said this graduation is the culmination of years of planning and the hard work and dedication of students and faculty.

“This is a significant milestone for both Lynn and Lynn Public Schools, and the City,” Nicholson said. “We are constantly trying to expand opportunities for our students, and this comprehensive Early College program provides them with a chance to get a head start on their college experience, academically and socially. It truly is a win-win.”

“The success of Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy’s first graduating class of early college students demonstrates the power of strong community partnerships and forward-thinking opportunities,” said Dr. Barbara S. S. Hong, dean of Postsecondary Transition Programs at North Shore Community College. 

“These students have shown that they can succeed in college-level coursework while completing their high school education, opening doors to future academic and career opportunities,” she said. 

Fabiano said the majority of graduates are moving on to four-year colleges, including Bridgewater State University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Merrimack College, and UMass Boston. 

“The goal for this program is to get them exposed to what it will be like in college and prepare them for that next step,” Fabiano said. 

Fabiano was a vice principal at Lynn English when she was chosen to lead Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy about a month before the start of the 2022-23 school year. A 20-year educator, she has also worked at alternative high schools in Lawrence and Woburn.

Students at English, Classical, and Lynn Vocational Technical Institute are also able to take Early College courses and obtain up to 15 college credits while in high school. 

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