Today the graduates of Worcester Technical High School will experience something not everyone will get to experience in their lives:  a commencement speech made by the President of the United States made at their graduation.

Principal Sheila Harrity took over Worcester Tech in 2006, taking it from one of the lowest-performing institutions in the state to becoming a Blue Ribbon School in 2013.  Ms. Harrity is also recognized as National High School Principal of the Year and was honored by the president at the National Teachers of the Year event at the White House on May 1.

When the White House contacted Harrity about having President Obama speak at the commencement, she was in tears.  Then she held an assembly to notify the students of the event.  Since then the school has been all a buzz with the pending arrival.

President Obama has a strong initiative in wanting to reform education in America, to make it better, more accessible and more affordable for everyone.

As Obama has stated:  “We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible.”

That is what Principal Sheila Harrity has succeeded in doing at Worcester Tech.