On July 21, 2005, Year Up's sixth class filled the Sheraton Boston Constitution Ballroom to capacity, celebrating their graduation with more than 360 family members, corporate partners, program supporters, and community leaders. The platinum sponsors of the event were Alta Communications, Comcast, Pegasystems, and TAC Worldwide. We were honored to have Farrah Gray, Author, Business & Social Entrepreneur, as well as the Founder of The Gray Foundation, as our keynote speaker.

Jane C. Edmonds, Director of the Department of Workforce Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, was presented with Year Up's second Urban Empowerment Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made an incredible impact on their community by empowering urban young adults to reach their potential.

As with each celebration, Year Up's graduates inspired the audience by sharing theirpersonal experiences and defining their vision of true success. Ivelisse Carabello reflected on the impact that the program has had on her life. "Today I feel like I have a strong hold on tools that enable me to carve at least part of my destiny and that this year has been one which will forever be an example of hope and the rewards of hard work."

Fellow graduate Erick Rosales shared with his classmates what he has seen during the program. "I have watched many of you change in just 11 months. I have seen inspiration shine in many of your eyes and courage rise from many of your hearts. I know that this is what Year Up is all about. It is about finding yourself and having the ability to say what you want to be and know that you can do it. "

Carlos Afonso performed a slam poem that reflected the passion and culture of our students. "We are armed with
intelligence and we are not afraid to speak. We will be determined because we starve for success. We stimulate our minds with education, and get higher as we prosper and if there is a barrier, then we will run it over like every obstacle that got in our way while in the hood."

Year Up is honored to announce the Class Six Dave Retik and Chris Mello award recipients, continuing to honor the former Alta Communications employees and Year Up supporters:

The Dave Retik Award for Excellence: Erick Rosales, Ericka Pena, and William Hinde

The Chris Mello Award for Leadership: Carlos Torres and Jerico Pena

Pinnacle Awards for Technical Excellence: William Kennebrew, Armand Merdani, LaToya Shuler and Hatim Zahidi

We are also honored to present the Harvard Extension School Scholarships to Ousdhane Chadic and Ebonie DeRosa.