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For the third summer in a row, Vertex Pharmaceuticals brought its commitment to community and STEM education to life through hands-on science experiments led by its high school interns for local youth at the Edgerley Family Boys & Girls Club. The service event in mid-July offered children ages 6 to 10 the chance to dive into the world of science through the following engaging activities: strawberry DNA extraction, slime making, and circuit building. The idea behind the initiative is simple but powerful: give Vertex interns an opportunity to give back while sharing their passion for STEM with young students. It’s a day of service, but it’s also a day of mentorship, said Brandon Hagen of Vertex. Interns get to guide the kids through experiments, working [...]

By Carol Masshardt  Boston Arts Academy and South Boston’s Brenny O’Brien have proven to be one good fit.  She graduated with Honors in Theatre and Community Service, and a proud record of achievement. “When I was 3 years old, I saw a play and said, ‘I’m going to do that.’ I started performing at 4 and had my first professional role at 7, and it has gone on from there,” she said. Already an Actors Equity Guild member, Brenny has performed in numerous productions and is impressively well-versed in all aspects of theater. “I didn’t always love school until Boston Arts Academy,” she said. Among other staff, Maura Tighe, Artistic Director at BAA, was pivotal in Brenny’s development. “She got me the first audition from [...]

By Carol Masshardt Eighteen-year-old Devoney DeBarros, from South Boston, is graduating from Madison Park Technical Vocational School with an impressive record. A Herald-recognized Scholar-Athlete, he will soon graduate with recognition/honors in Math, College Writing, Biology and History. There is more still to know about and celebrate this senior, headed to Wentworth in the fall. “My dream is to make my mother proud,” he said. Devoney seems to know who he is and what matters beyond many his age. He is the second of four children of Janet Iraola, who works at the Hennigan School. His father, David Medeiros, works at the Marriott, and he is aware of their work and values. “My mother has done everything for me, and I want to return it. She [...]