On June 3rd, MBAE hosted its Second Annual Education Luncheon & Awards in celebration of exceptional leaders who have made substantial contributions to improving educational opportunities for the Commonwealth’s students.

At the event, state officials, business, education and community leaders, and our incredible members, affiliates, and partners came together in shared commitment to MBAE’s mission to close racial and socio-economic achievement and opportunity gaps, ensure success for all students, and create a stronger, more equitable economy.

MBAE co-founder and former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville presented Henry Thomas III with the MBAE Paul Reville Leadership in Education Award. Thomas, a long-term leader of the Urban League of Springfield who served on the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Board of Higher Education, the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees and the Board of the University of Massachusetts Building Authority, devoted more than five decades to advocating for his community and promoting equity in education.

“I can’t imagine a more fitting recipient of this award than Henry Thomas. His career exemplifies all the civic virtues we so need today: an energetic commitment to excellence and justice, integrity, idealism, authenticity, and a warm, joyful spirit.” said Reville, long-time friend of the Thomas family.

MBAE Board member Eileen Rudden presented the MBAE Jack Rennie Award for Business Impact in Education to Rick Burnes in recognition of his tireless support and advocacy for improvements in public education and in Boston Public Schools. A co-founder of Charles River Ventures, one of the oldest and most successful venture capital firms in the U.S., Mr. Burnes is a passionate philanthropist who focuses on education. He sits on the Board of the Boston Plan for Excellence, was one of the founders of Boston Business Leaders for Education and Chaired the Board of the Museum of Science and WGBH.

Commenting on the award, MBAE Board Chair Bill Walczak said, “Over the years and across so many initiatives, Rick has maintained a relentless focus on putting students first. His business background helped him focus on the most important levers of change.”

During the luncheon, state Board of Education Chair Katherine Craven welcomed and introduced Pedro Martinez in his first speaking engagement in Massachusetts since his selection as the state’s Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. Incoming Commissioner Martinez shared his experience as a young immigrant student navigating the Chicago Public Schools system and described his vision for the future of education in Massachusetts, which included a focus on improving early literacy, educator diversity and retention, bilingual education, college and career pathways, and more

“Giving our students a head-start on their futures beyond high school is a top priority of mine…when it comes to preparing students for college and career, it shouldn’t be an either-or situation. It should be an all-encompassing approach that has the potential to open every possible door for our students and their futures,” said Martinez.

In her remarks, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll celebrated the work state leaders, advocates, and others have led to make the Massachusetts public education system one of the strongest in the nation. She also described the major challenges facing our education system and students’ futures – including early literacy, achievement gaps, college and career readiness –  and the Healey Administration’s commitment to addressing these issues.

MBAE was honored to recognize Henry Thomas III and Rick Burnes for their transformational impact on Massachusetts’s students and communities and is grateful to everyone who attended the event.