The Brookline School Committee convened on December 5, 2024, to honor two outstanding students, Mai Hajby and Mikaela Burgos, as recipients of the prestigious Massachusetts Excellence Awards. The meeting, held at Town Hall, celebrated the remarkable achievements and resilience of these students, who have excelled academically while overcoming significant personal challenges.

The evening began with a warm welcome to the awardees and their families, followed by an introduction from Brookline High School guidance counselor Jenny Longmire. Longmire highlighted Mai Hajby’s journey, emphasizing her strength and commitment in the face of adversity, including her father's battle with lymphoma and her mother's health issues. Despite these challenges, Mai maintained her academic performance and personal growth, embodying resilience and determination. She was presented with a Certificate of Academic Excellence, recognizing her achievements.

Next, Mikaela Burgos was introduced by her Dean, who read a tribute from her guidance counselor, Alex Young. Mikaela's story was one of perseverance amidst housing instability, as her family faced multiple relocations during her high school years. Despite these hardships, she excelled academically, participated in community service, and took on leadership roles, including mentoring younger students. Mikaela also received a Certificate of Academic Excellence, acknowledging her outstanding contributions and achievements.

The meeting concluded with a call for the parents of both awardees to stand and be recognized, followed by a group photo with the School Committee. This event not only celebrated the individual accomplishments of Mai and Mikaela but also highlighted the supportive community surrounding them, reinforcing the values of resilience and dedication within Brookline Public Schools.