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Vermont State Senator Kesha Ram to Speak at Graduation

 
Burr and Burton Headmaster Mark Tashjian announced today that Kesha Ram, Vermont State Senator for the Chittenden County district and the first woman of color elected to the Vermont Senate, will deliver the keynote address at BBA’s 188th commencement ceremony on June 4. 

“We could not be more pleased or more honored to welcome Senator Ram to Burr and Burton to share her wisdom and perspective with the graduating Class of 2021,” said Tashjian. “Senator Ram’s active and eloquent support for inclusion and understanding is an incredible model for our graduating seniors to take in as they go out into the wider world. She is a woman committed to making the world a better place, and I for one can’t wait to hear what she has to say to us all.”

“This is a critical time for young people to reflect on the future they want to build and values they will lead with, and I look forward to reflecting alongside them. It is an honor to deliver the Burr and Burton Commencement address,” said Senator Ram.

Ram, a Vermont Senator and graduate of the University of Vermont and Harvard’s Kennedy School, grew up in Los Angeles and came to Vermont to attend college. In 2008, she became both the first person of color to ever represent Burlington in the Vermont House of Representatives and the youngest legislator in the country.  Last year, she won another historic election, becoming the first woman of color in the Vermont Senate.

Ram’s career in Vermont has touched on preschool education, legal advocacy for victims of domestic violence, and municipal civic engagement.  In addition to her work in the Vermont Senate, Ram focuses on building social equity and inclusion in nonprofits, businesses, school districts, and local municipalities.

BBA’s commencement takes place on Friday, June 4 at 5:00 PM. Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held on Frelinghuysen Field on the main campus. In case of rain, it will be moved to Riley Rink. Details are available at burrburton.org. 

About Burr and Burton Academy
Founded in 1829, Burr and Burton Academy is an independent high school that serves the public, accepting all students from 13 sending towns, as well as tuitioned students from fifteen countries around the globe, and numerous other towns in southern Vermont. BBA’s mission is to offer the personalization that is the hallmark of the best independent schools coupled with the democratic ideal of education for all. For more information on Burr and Burton Academy, please visit burrburton.org. 
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