On November 16, Boston Latin School held a celebration to present the portrait of Former Head of School Rachel Skerritt and honor distinguished graduates Melvin B. Miller ‘52 and Jeanette Towles ‘00.
Skerritt is the first Black American to have her portrait hung out of 27 prior Heads of School. This was the first portrait presentation since Former Head of School Lynne Mooney-Teta and only the third portrait to feature a woman.
The event began by honoring Towles, an advocate for people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups in STEM, followed by Miller, the co-founder of the newspaper The Bay State Banner, which focuses on the Black American community. Finally, Skerritt’s portrait was unveiled. Adhering to the BLS tradition, Former Head of Schools Mooney-Teta and Michael Contompasis also attended the event.
Many teachers, faculty members and Skerritt herself worked together to prepare for the event. Head of School Jason Gallagher also spent considerable time discussing with Skerritt her thoughts on the portrait. Mr. Gallagher says, “Ms. Skerritt is a visionary. She’s a trailblazer in so many different ways, and [the colorful portrait] was the vision that she had when she wanted that created, and that’s what came out.”
BLS Director of Operations Ms. Jesse Kwan ‘98 helped to run the logistics of the event and worked with the Boston Latin School Association to provide entertainment and other services for the guests.
The event was open to everyone in the BLS community, with many alumni, parents and students attending. Students also performed in the ceremony, including the Gospel Choir and those who performed skits.
“For hundreds of years, Boston Latin School was led by white men,” Mr. Gallagher comments, “And when Ms. [Cornelia A.] Kelley’s portrait was raised, finally girls could see someone who looked like them. […] And now to have a woman of color on there […] when you’re a sixie walking in, you get to see someone who looks like you.”