TechBoston excited for Obama's arrival

BOSTON -- A Dorchester school prepared to welcome a very special guest on Tuesday afternoon. President Barack Obama planned a trip to TechBoston Academy to speak about education and economy.

TechBoston opened in 2002 with money from a foundation headed by Melinda Gates and her husband, Bill Gates, the billionaire founder of Microsoft. TechBoston caught the eye of the President because the students’ performance rates are exceptional.

Students were dismissed from school at 11 a.m. to begin preparations for President Obama’s arrival. Students will return for the President’s assembly at 3 p.m. on Monday.

Students at TechBoston academy prepared for the President’s arrival, but it’s the work being done behind the door that initially caught President Obama’s attention.

“Out of all the schools in the United States he picked ours,” said one student.

“I’m very excited…I’m speechless right now. I don’t even know what to say,” said Rachel White, a student at TechBoston.

Along with nerves is the excitement over the idea that their school was noticed. As a pilot school, TechBoston Academy has a greater control over staffing and curriculum and incorporates technology in every classroom.

“There is a lot to be shared in terms of how technology can empower students. I think when it comes to quality staff and having autonomy to make decisions locally I think there’s a lot of systems that can be shared,” Headmaster Mary Skipper said.

The school has an 82 percent graduation rate and the President is going to see innovation and shared responsibility for education in action. President Obama will visit a classroom and talk to students and staff.

Students said they know they are a part of a successful program, but affirmation from the President of the United States is a nice reminder.

“I never expected something like this to actually happen to our school,” said Chris Seracy, a student at TechBoston. “This is like a once in a lifetime thing.”

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for all the students to see and talk to someone who is so powerful in the world,” said Kiara Hutson, a student at TechBoston.

The school was funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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