The recipients are selected from all Boston Public High Schools. Past recipients have attended Madison Park, Jeremiah Burke, Boston Latin, Boston English, West Roxbury High, East Boston High, Snowden International and others. They are diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural.

The students are also mature, taking from their life experiences the qualities of perseverance, dedication and commitment to their goals.

Many are immigrants. English is not the first language for a great number. Some have experienced major tragedies such as the violent death of a parent, others are refugees fleeing a war-torn country.

The one thing that unites all of these young people, the one thing they all have in common, is a love of learning and a determination to succeed.