SFC / Early Education for All Campaign: Invest in Early Education

2009 Rising Stars of Massachusetts Celebration

The annual Rising Stars of Massachusetts celebration serves as an important reminder of the impact high-quality early education has on young children and families.

On January 14, 2009 early educators and parents of young children in Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs joined Secretary of Education Paul Reville, Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Patricia Haddad, Department of Early Education and Care Board Chair Sharon Scott-Chandler, UPK grant recipient Doreen Dubique and members of the Early Education for All Campaign Advisory Committee at the State House for the 2nd Annual Rising Stars of Massachusetts celebration.

View photos of young children decorating stars in preparation for the celebration.

Early educators and parents, receiving UPK grants applauded Secretary of Education Paul Reville's enthusiastic endorsement of early education as he pledged to "preserve the momentum we've built over time." High-quality early education, he said, is "probably the most powerful, highly leveraged investment we can make in a 21st century educational system."

The thousands of brightly colored stars, hand-decorated by children in 90 UPK programs across the state served as the backdrop for the event.

Preschool children from the East Boston YMCA sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" at the celebration.

State Senator Karen Spilka, Co-Chair of the Committee for Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, described the stars on display: "There is no better visualization to remind us that Universal Pre-Kindergarten is an excellent tool to help children reach their full potential."

State Representative Patricia Haddad, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Education thanked the early educators and families present for their tireless commitment to providing young children with the start they deserve to succeed.

"Rising stars" of Massachusetts

Early educators, parents and advocates filled the Grand Staircase at the State House in Boston for the celebration.

Speakers at the celebration received framed "Rising Stars". From L-R: Doreen Dubique, Director of Associated Early Care and Education’s Castle Square preschool program; Department of Early Education and Care Board Chair Sharon Scott-Chandler; Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville; and State Senator Karen Spilka, Co-Chair of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Photos by Jessica Christ Photograph