Chelsea School Committee spotlights student poets, volunteers and educators; previews spring musical

At its first 2026 meeting, the Chelsea School Committee dedicated much of its agenda to student and staff recognitions, ranging from a student‑read poem to awards for service and inclusive classroom initiatives.

Dr. Abeyta introduced senior Maria Adams and invited her to read her original poem, "The Garden of Voices." Adams opened, "To plant a garden is to watch things grow," and read about difference, resilience and being seen. Committee members applauded and several speakers praised her writing and college preparations.

Committee members also honored Interact Club student volunteers who helped at Chelsea Reads and rang the Salvation Army bell. Administrators and Rotary‑affiliated advisors highlighted the students' commitment to service and named individual student recipients for awards and a photo opportunity. One advisor noted the group's size and leadership, saying the club "has 35 members" and singled out several officers by name.

The committee presented 'Name, Strength and Story' awards to staff who know students well. A nomination read for Brian Pinales at Hooks Elementary praised Pinales for knowing "every student at Hooks, not just first names but their last names too" and for going "above and beyond for our students and families." Michelle Martinello presented a separate award to Asari Ramos of the Wright Science and Technology Academy for leading a vocational 'Sip and Howl' coffee-shop initiative that helps students practice life and work skills.

Members also celebrated recent student theater work. One member described the play 'Rumors' and noted the professional quality of its set — explaining that "one of the students' parents owns a construction company and he had his workers come in and build the set for the kids and it was stunning." Student representatives used the update period to preview prom plans, report a 6–0 start for the boys' basketball team, describe a successful winter dance and recap a large toy drive that filled trucks for distribution.

Chairwoman Hernandez and other members urged community support for upcoming events, including a Boston Children's Choir performance on MLK Day and the spring musical "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," with dates to be confirmed via flyer.

The committee closed the recognitions portion with group photos and a reminder of the connections between family engagement and school programming.