Lowell High Alumni Donor Spotlight
Maria Aybar
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Meet Maria Aybar, a first-generation Lowell High School alum, class of 2013.
Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Maria Ayebar moved to the United States when she was 13 years old. When her family moved to Lowell, she attended Lowell High School, where she thrived as a learner who loved volunteering in her community.
Nearing graduation, Maria faced steep challenges. As an undocumented immigrant, she had a difficult time applying to colleges and being able to attend full-time.
Thanks to some strong advocates and guidance, Maria attended Middlesex Community College, where she earned numerous awards and scholarships. “Maria is a shining example of the power of community colleges to transform lives,” said President Phil Sisson at Middlesex Community College. Maria earned her associate's degree and was accepted at one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, Amherst College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
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Maria’s strong ties to the Lowell community are reflected in her dedication to service. She’s worked with the Office of Niki Tsongas, Coalition for a Better Acre, and the Latinx Community Center for Empowerment- which she co-founded with others that were also passionate about supporting the Latino population in Lowell. She currently works in MCC’s SUCCESS program, given back to the community where she started her higher ed journey and supporting others on their journey. She attends Brandeis University and is studying management to receive a Master of Public Policy.
During her free time, Maria enjoys reading, solving puzzles, going for a walk, and lettering. When she's craving a coffee, you can find her at Nibbana Cafe or at Sizzling Kitchen for a quick bite (Lowell favorites!).
Maria advises current and future students, “Do it!”
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Lowell High Students & Alumni on the Lowell Sun |
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On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lowell High students and alumni were part of the 24th annual "Living the Dream event in Lowell. Lowell High Senior & Students Making Change leader, Maureen Onyeneho spoke to the theme Why We Can’t Wait stating in her speech, "I want to live in a world where having a darker skin complexion isn’t seen as a threat or a sign of violence,” she thundered. “I want to live in a world of acceptance – where compassion is the standard. That is why we cannot wait. As a youth activist, Dr. King is not only an inspiration [to me],” she said, “but the symbol of a better future.”
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Lowell High and UMass Lowell alum, Anye Nkimbeng, also attended as one of the speakers. As a Lowell filmmaker, he shared his story how he has overcome all of his hardships to get where he is right now. He connected to the work of Dr. King as what makes everything possible.
Read more about Anye's work in the Lowell Sun feature,
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The group was followed by the Lowell High School Black Unity Step Team, which brought the crowd to its feet several times with a dynamic performance punctuated by shoutouts of “right now!” and “we can’t wait.”
Step Team member and Lowell High senior, Akosua Karikari, who plans to pursue her mechanical engineering degree after graduation, said she honors the legacy of King with her advocacy in the community through volunteering with Project LEARN.
“Advocating. That’s what I love to do,” she said. “Today recognizes the importance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s advocacy.”
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How Can You Get Involved? |
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Your support allows us to continue working at Project LEARN to help our students. Contact Tara Hong to find out more on volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved.
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Follow the LHS Alumni Association on Facebook to receive the latest news and updates!
Visit our website to learn more about Project LEARN and the Alumni Association.
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ABOUT US
From mentors, advisors, guest speakers, tutors and more, Lowell High Alumni are valuable resources for current students. The Lowell High Alumni Association is a collaboration between Project LEARN and the Lowell Public School district. The mission of the Alumni Association is to help alumni connect with each other, to engage with the school, community and to inspire future generations of Lowell High students through mentoring, advising and tutoring. We invite alumni to connect and find ways to work on new and existing programs within the schools to better the academics and the lives of all Lowell Public School students.
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