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星期四, 5月 07, 2026
麻州中小學教育處表揚20名得獎老師
麻州政府推出「我的托兒服務」一站式申請資助平台
(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州政府今（7）日宣佈，推出「我的托兒服務（MyChildCareMA）」，一個現代化，支持多語，方便手機使用的麻州托兒服務資助（CCFA）申請平台。
「我的托兒服務（MyChildCareMA）」是經由麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）的《未來科技法案（FutureTech Act）》及資本投資計畫（Capital Investment Plan）支持開發的網路平台，讓麻州家庭能在這平台上，一站式的完成托兒服務資助的申請、進度追蹤及個案管理等作業，大幅度簡化以往的繁瑣行政流程。
「我的托兒服務」資助申請網路平台和「我的麻州政府（MyMassGov）」網路平台的聯動，整合，統一以往分散的作業系統，更新使用的科技軟體，為家長與托兒服務提供者解決了在多個系統間切換的困擾。
麻州副州長Kim Driscoll指出，新門戶網站將所有需求集中於一處，為家長和托兒服務提供者建立出更好的透明度與便利性，將來還可擴展內容，把候補名單管理、資格審核及款項支付等都包括進去，更加完善個案管理，甚至和其他機構合作，把資格審查和入學註冊，都包括進去，以確保居民申請政府服務時，不會找錯機構。
麻州教育廳廳長瑞克（Steve Zrike）與技術服務暨安全秘書長史奈德（Jason Snyder）均強調，這項投資反映了政府致力於打造簡單、安全且易於取得的數位服務。早期教育與照護局（Department of Early Education and Care, EEC）局長科肖（Amy Kershaw）表示，MyChildCareMA 是 EEC 2026-2030 年戰略行動計畫中的關鍵組成部分，展現了以家庭為中心的行政轉型。除了科技更新，政府的配套辦法也放寬了收入限制，將申請資格從麻州收入中位數的 50% 提高至 85%，並自 2023 財政年度起增加了 1.675 億美元的提供者報銷額度。
包括麻州參議會議長斯皮爾卡（Karen E. Spilka）、參議員路易斯（Jason Lewis）以及多家非營利組織（如 Strategies for Children、麻州 Head Start 協會、麻州青年會聯盟等）負責人均對此表示支持。他們認為，減少文書障礙與提升系統的可及性，是邁向托兒照護體系公平的重要一步，能讓托育機構將更多精力從行政作業轉向直接支持兒童與家庭的成長。家長現可透過 Mass.gov/EEC 網站獲取更多使用指引與資源。
Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New Family Portal to Help Parents, Caregivers Pay for Child Care
MyChildCareMA portal creates a more user-friendly, streamlined and family-centered child care financial assistance system experience
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the launch of MyChildCareMA, a modern, mobile-friendly and multilingual family portal for the state’s Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) programs. Families can now apply for child care financial assistance, track application progress, and manage their cases through a single, streamlined platform.
MyChildCareMA was supported through Governor Maura Healey’s FutureTech Act and Capital Investment Plan (CIP). This improved user experience will make it easier for families to apply for help paying for care, ease administrative burdens on child care providers and improve program integrity and transparency.
“Massachusetts consistently ranks as one of the best places in the country to raise a family because we make real investments for families to be able to afford child care and other supportive services,” said Governor Maura Healey.“We’re proud of the work our administration is doing to make it easier for families to get the help they need, and MyChildCareMA is a big step forward. It makes it simpler, faster, and more transparent for families to apply for and manage child care financial assistance all in one place.”
“Families across Massachusetts deserve systems that are responsive and reliable,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The new portal brings everything into one place, making it easier for parents and caregivers to apply for assistance, stay informed, and manage their child care needs with greater confidence and convenience.”
The system is part of the MyMassGov state services platform. Families can log in using the same credentials they use for other MyMassGov services with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), or they can create a new account to get started.
The underlying technical systems supporting the CCFA programs are out of date, and families and child care providers must navigate multiple systems to accomplish just one task. MyChildCareMA will eventually serve as both a family portal and case management system, delivering a more accessible, dignified, and user-friendly digital experience. The unified case management system will include managing the child care financial assistance waitlist, application and eligibility determination, and payments. EEC will also be better prepared to work with other agencies on Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment so there is no wrong door for Massachusetts residents accessing government services.
“Families want to be able to access government services at the time and places that work for them, in their common language and on a mobile device. The new MyChildCareMA family portal is part of our efforts to transform the child care financial assistance system into what families and providers want and deserve,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “This is Team Massachusetts at its best. I want to thank Governor Healey for prioritizing IT modernizations that help families access and pay for care and all of the teams across state government who helped make this exciting portal possible.”
“The ChildCareMA launchreflects exactly the kind of IT capital investment we should be making to deliver digital government services that are simple, secure, and accessible to every resident,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder. “By investing in solutions like this, we are not only modernizing state IT, but also building a more responsive government that meets people where they are.”
“This launch represents a major step forward in how we serve families across Massachusetts,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “MyChildCareMA reflects a family-centered approach that prioritizes a more dignified, accessible user experience, while also advancing our work to modernize technology systems to better support families and those who serve them.”
The MyChildCareMA family portal is one of four foundational components of the Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) information technology (IT) modernization efforts outlined in the agency’s 2026–2030 Strategic Action Plan. This initiative advances the agency’s Family Access strategic objective, which focuses on simplifying and enhancing how families connect with early education and care resources.
Modernizing IT through MyChildCareMA is also one part of a broader set of CCFA reforms to improve access and better support families and providers. The administration has streamlined regulations to simplify applications and reduce paperwork, and raised income eligibility from 50 percent to 85 percent of state median income, and, for the first time in 15 years, re-procured provider contracts to strengthen standards and improve service delivery. These efforts are complemented by these investments in new, user-friendly technology and a $167.5 million increase in provider reimbursement rates since Fiscal Year 2023, as well as federal approval to move toward a cost-based methodology for setting rates.
"Accessing financial assistance for childcare should be simple," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “When we make it easier for families to get the support they've already earned, we make Massachusetts stronger. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for creating this family portal, which is an important step forward for working families across the Commonwealth."
“Families deserve a simple, straightforward way to apply for and track their child care financial assistance from the state,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “The new MyChildCareMA portal will provide just that to improve access and transparency and to just make life a little easier.”
EEC will continue to provide resources and support to families and partners as they begin using the new system. For more information and guidance, please visit the EEC website at Mass.gov/EEC.
Governor Healey Nominates New Judges and Clerk Magistrate
Governor Healey Nominates New Judges and Clerk Magistrate
BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey nominated Alison Silber to serve as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court, Georgia Petropoulos to serve as an Associate Justice of the District Court and Gregory Bartlett to serve as the Clerk Magistrate for the Southern Berkshire District Court. The three nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation.
“All three of these attorneys will bring deep legal expertise and sound judgement to the courts, and I am excited to nominate them,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am confident that they will approach these new roles with integrity and a commitment to fairness for all our residents.”
“I look forward to working with the Governor’s Council to confirm these three nominees so that they can serve the Courts with distinction,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
The Probate and Family Court Department is responsible for family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, adoption, wills, estates, and guardianships. Its mission is to provide fair, equitable, and timely access to justice while assisting and protecting individuals and families. For more information about the Probate and Family Court Department, please visit its homepage. Governor Healey has previously nominated 21 judges to the Probate and Family Court: Laurel Barraco, Manisha Bhatt, Jennifer Bingham, Bethany Brown, Colleen Carroll, Jessica Dubin, Mary Ferriter, Alexandra Flanders, Timothy Horan, Mikalen Howe, Lyonel Jean-Pierre Jr., Mark Lee, Caryn Mitchell-Munevar, Evelyn Patsos, Alessandra Petruccelli, Brian Salisbury, Carla Salvucci, Bernadette Stark, Toiya Taylor, Elena Tsizer, and Michelle Yee.
The District Court Department hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, the District Court hears cases in which the damages are not likely to be more than $50,000 and small claims cases up to $7,000. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the state. Governor Healey has already nominated 32 attorneys to the District Court: Heath Antonio, Patrick Burke, Tonomey Coleman, Lisa Core, Frances Dallmeyer, Frederick DeCubellis, Brian Doxtader, Mark Fabiano, Leo Fama, Lauren Greene, Stuart Hurowitz, Paul Anthony, Edward Kacasinas, Francis V. Kenneally, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Jr. Krippendorf, Cara Krysil, Courtney C. Linnehan, Hilary McCamic, Suzanne McDonough, Becky Michaels, Craig Mulcahey, Jerry Parisella, Polly Phillips, William Powers, Joanna Rodriguez, Gegory Teran, Marjorie P. Tynes, Amanda Ward, Shelly-Ann Sankar, Liza Williamson,and Hector Zumbado.
Governor Healey has previously nominated Ann Dawley, Bill Larkin, Robert E. Manning, Jr., Robert Palumbo, John P. Riordan, Dana Rutherford, Padraic Rafferty, Scott Rathbun, John Stocks and Lori Leavitt Wheeler to serve as Clerk Magistrates.
About the Nominees:
Alison Silber is a domestic relations litigator, conciliator, and mediator. After clerking for the domestic relations calendar at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Attorney Silber opened her private family law practice in 2011 and in 2014 moved it to Western Massachusetts, where she has focused on all aspects of domestic relations law including divorce, post-divorce modification, contempt, adoption, assisted reproductive technology, child custody, and child support matters. She regularly represents children as Guardian/Next Friend and through the Children’s Law Project and is one of the founding mediators of the Family Resolutions Specialty Court. She holds a Bachelor of the Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Carey School of Law.
Georgia Petropoulos is a highly experienced trial lawyer who has tried hundreds of cases to conclusion across the Juvenile, District, and Superior Courts. For the past 23 years, she has run a solo practice focused on criminal defense and related civil matters. She has defended clients through the Pilgrim Bar Advocate Program, tried jury and bench trials, and represented clients at bail detention hearings and probation surrenders. Prior to opening her practice, Attorney Petropoulos served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office where she prosecuted a wide range of misdemeanors and felonies in the District and Superior Courts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Suffolk University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Massachusetts Law School.
Gregory Bartlett has served as the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Northern Berkshire District court since 2012. In this capacity, he is responsible for assisting in the management of the Court’s daily operations, presiding over small claims matters and show cause hearings, conducting administrative and motor vehicle appeals, and reviewing search warrants and arrest reports. Prior to joining the Clerk’s Office, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted a wide range of cases in the Berkshire District Courts. Before entering public service, he was an Associate at Hochberg Law Offices where his practice focused on domestic relations law, personal injury cases, and estate planning. Born and raised in Berkshire County, Bartlett spent ten years between college and law school working in residential homes for adolescents and serving as a Child Protective Social Worker for the Department of Children and Families. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Lawrence University and a Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law. Bartlett resides in Pittsfield with his wife, Christine, and their cats Morty and Fred.
Senate Takes Up PROTECT Act to Defend Residents from Federal Immigration Overreach
Senate Takes Up PROTECT Act to Defend Residents from Federal Immigration Overreach
PROTECT Act Creates New Accountability for Federal Agents
and Keeps Local Police Out of Civil Immigration Enforcement
(BOSTON—5/7/2026) The
To protect immigrants in Massachusetts, the legislation holds federal immigration agents legally accountable for civil rights violations, bars local and state police from participating in civil
The Senate’s PROTECT Act delivers targeted protections for those most at risk: young children, crime victims, legal residents with complex immigration statuses, and public employees subjected to federal intimidation.
It also makes clear that none of its provisions limit local law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute a crime.
“Today, the Massachusetts Senate is taking action to protect immigrant families, defend constitutional rights, and stand up to the fear and cruelty being fueled by Donald Trump’s weaponization of federal immigration enforcement,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Across our Commonwealth, we are seeing children torn from their parents, students pulled off the street, and families living in fear—and we refuse to accept that as normal in Massachusetts. I applaud Senate Steering and Policy Chair Cindy Friedman for her leadership, and each member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus for their unparalleled work on this legislation.”
“The PROTECT Act is comprehensive legislation that defends the values enshrined in the Massachusetts Constitution, particularly equal protection under the law for all,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “This bill will increase protections for our residents, spells out plainly and clearly that Massachusetts law enforcement officers are not responsible for aiding civil immigration enforcement, and importantly, stands up for our immigrant community in the face of an adversarial federal government. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, my colleagues in the Senate, especially members of the Committee on Steering and Policy and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and the advocates and stakeholders who contributed immensely to the strengthening of this bill.”
“My parents came to Lawrence with very little and gave everything they had to this community. That same story is being lived by immigrant families across our Gateway Cities today. They are our neighbors, our teachers, our health care workers, our small business owners. The people who keep Massachusetts moving,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), a member of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. “The PROTECT Act makes clear that no matter what happens in Washington, Massachusetts will not allow our institutions or our communities to be weaponized against the people who helped build them. Today we made clear whose side we are on. This is an important step forward, but the fight to protect dignity and basic humanity is far from over.”
The bill builds on proposals offered by the Governor, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and the House of Representatives, as the Legislature and the Executive Branch recognize the gravity and urgency of these issues and work together to address them in a timely and coordinated way.
The Senate opened debate on the major legislation—S.3072, An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatment—at a formal session today and began considering the 76 proposed amendments to the bill.
Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.
星期三, 5月 06, 2026
僅300麻州醫療業員工促議會通過「保護法」
Almost 300 Massachusetts Healthcare workers urge MA State Senate to pass bill to protecting immigrants, hospitals and healthcare workers caring for them
BOSTON, MA— As the Massachusetts State Senate plans to consider S.3072, the Senate version of the popular Massachusetts House Bill, known as the PROTECT Act, nearly 300 Massachusetts healthcare workers have signed a letter to Massachusetts State Senators, urging them to pass the Senate version of the popular bill. The Massachusetts Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday, May 7. The letter was delivered to Massachusetts State Senators yesterday afternoon.
Physicians with the Health and Law Immigrant Solidarity Network (HLISN), authored the letter, urging the senators to pass the bill, and to include proposed amendments 12, 13, 15, 30, 51, which add additional protections for hospitals and healthcare workers.
“We are hearing from healthcare workers across the Commonwealth that they can no longer do their jobs,” said Dr. Lara Jirmanus, family physician and HLISN founder. “Our patients have been afraid to show up for visits. Some of them are afraid to leave the house, send kids to school or even buy groceries. We can’t take care of patients who are too afraid to show up.”
“Hundreds of clinicians have attested that patients have been cancelling or not keeping appointments due to fear of encountering ICE in our clinics and hospitals…” the letter said. “Currently, limited guidance and protections for health care workers who take action to support their immigrant patients’ rights leads to confusion, stress, and can worsen burnout amongst an already overstretched and challenged health care workforce.”
In particular, advocates were concerned about the looming threat of ICE entering healthcare settings, alleged ICE violence against emergency response workers, as has been seen in Oregon, Minnesota, Maine and other states, and the lack of protections for healthcare workers taking care of patients in ICE custody.
“Hard working resident doctors have been disciplined for doing their jobs, trying to make sure that all patients get high quality care that respects their humanity, autonomy and Constitutional right,” said Dr. Brett Lewis, Regional Vice President the Committee on Interns and Residents, the largest physician union in the U.S. “S3072 and amendments 12 and 13 go a long way to protect hospitals and health systems as we do our best to give everyone the care they deserve.”
Amendment 12 enumerates the rights of hospital patients in ICE custody. Clinicians from many of Massachusetts top hospitals have attested to witnessing multiple rights violations, including immigration enforcement officers denying patients the right to communicate confidentially with their physicians, and to speak with an attorney. Amendment 13 provides protections against retaliation for healthcare workers and Amendment 15 requires public reporting of healthcare provider compliance with the legislation.
The healthcare industry continues to face substantial financial challenges due to the pandemic healthcare worker shortage, and increasing costs for labor, drugs, and supplies. In this context, ideologically-motivated attacks against immigrants and Medicaid cuts threaten the stability of an already precarious healthcare economy.
“In Massachusetts, one in five healthcare workers are immigrants,” said Dr. Jim Recht, letter signatory and HLISN member. “Immigrants make our communities and our health systems great. Protecting immigrants protects our immigration workforce and access to healthcare for all residents of the Commonwealth.”
吳弭市長頒獎表揚第130屆波士頓馬拉松賽本地最快跑者
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| 波士頓市長吳弭和得獎跑者們。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓市長吳弭（右起）和今年跑得最快的Tara Lyons，Michael Schmidt， 以及輪椅組的Delmace Mayo（前）。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓體育會執行長Jack Fleming(左）和波士頓市長吳弭（右）頒獎給女子組 得獎者Tara Lyons。（周菊子攝） |
吳弭市長在市政府老鷹室頒獎時表示，波士頓馬拉松不僅是一場比賽，更是這座城市的慶典，她為這四名跑者的展現「波士頓韌性」（Boston grit）與決心感到驕傲。
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| 麻州眾議員Bill MacGregor（後中）特地來祝賀他的選區居民Ｍayo。（周菊子攝） |
「最快波士頓人獎」今年已是第四年，獲獎者各得一個刻有「最快波士頓人」（Fastest Bostonian）字樣的紀念玻璃碗。
Jack Fleming透露，頒發「最快波士頓人獎」是吳弭市長提出的，吳弭市長還有許多很好的構想，波士頓體育會為能與吳弭市長合作，感到非常榮幸。
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| 吳弭市長恭喜個得獎者。（周菊子攝） |
BOSTON – Wednesday, May 6, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced the recipients of the Fastest Bostonians Awards, given to four Boston residents with the quickest finish times at the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. During a celebration hosted at City Hall, the fastest man in the marathon’s wheelchair division, along with the fastest man, woman, and non-binary runners, received recognition for their outstanding performance.
The awards were presented to:
• Michael Schmidt, who finished the race in 2:22:32. Schmidt is an East Boston resident who coaches track and field and cross country at Brandeis University.
• Tara Lyons, who finished the race in 2:48:41. Lyons is a North End resident who works full-time in benefit consulting.
• Danielle Bishop, who finished the race in 3:21:28. Bishop is an Allston resident who works as an Account Specialist for New Balance.
• Delmace Mayo, a Jamaica Plain resident who competed in the wheelchair division of the marathon and finished in 1:51:11. There were no women from Boston competing in the wheelchair division this year.
“The Boston Marathon is more than a race—it’s a celebration of our City. Congratulations to everyone who took part in one of our most treasured traditions and represented our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re especially proud to recognize Michael Schmidt, Tara Lyons, Danielle Bishop, and Delmace Mayo for earning this year’s Fastest Bostonian honors, and for demonstrating true Boston grit and determination to the world. We’re grateful to the B.A.A. for their continued partnership in carrying this legacy forward.”
“As we reflect on a successful 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, we recognize the more than 4,300 finishers from Massachusetts and especially those hailing from our City of Boston community,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association. “Our city’s athletes shined on race day. Whether running to achieve a personal best, raise awareness for a charity partner, or simply aiming to earn the unicorn finisher medal, Boston runners met the moment on Patriots’ Day. We look forward to celebrating the fastest from our hometown soon!”
The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon. This is the fourth year that Boston residents with the quickest times crossing the Finish Line received a commemorative glass bowl engraved with the phrase “Fastest Bostonian
全球20家頂尖公司有16家設據點 Maura Healey稱麻州已成氣候科技領頭羊
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| 麻州州長Maura Healey要把麻州打造成氣候科技州。（周菊子攝） |
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| 麻州州長Maura Healey為氣候科技會議致詞。（周菊子攝） |
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| 第三屆氣候科技會議在波士頓藝術中心劇院內舉行。（周菊子攝） |
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| 來自加拿大的Microhabitat公司推廣屋頂農場計劃。（周菊子攝） |
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| Node合夥人張婷安（Deanna Zhang）為規模化創新與成長融資環節做講者。 （周菊子攝） |
麻州清潔能源中心（Mass Clean Energy Center）執行長唐寧（Ben Downing）表示，16家全球領袖企業選擇在麻州扎根，證明了麻州在人才、研究機構與創新生態系統上的優勢。此外，麻州政府正推動勞動力計畫，目標培訓兩萬五千名氣候科技從業人員，並透過執行的許可改革（permitting reforms）縮短基礎設施興建時間。
希莉州長指出，目前麻州已擁有全美首座商業化離岸風電場，並正協助核融合能源公司（Commonwealth Fusion Systems）等企業擴大規模。希莉州長強調，麻州將持續透過資本、人才與政策支持，確保在聯邦政策波動下仍維持全球氣候科技的領先地位。
Governor Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu Join Distinguished Panel of Judges for the 2026 We Declare! Challenge
Governor Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu Join Distinguished Panel of Judges for the 2026 We Declare! Challenge
The statewide competition invites Massachusetts 8th graders to creatively engage with the Declaration of Independence for the chance to earn scholarships and additional prizes
BOSTON, MA (May 6, 2026) – Governor Maura Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will serve as honorary judges for the We Declare! Challenge, joining other leaders from government, education, the arts, public service, private sector and science, all united in their commitment to strengthening civic engagement among young people. The statewide video competition invites Massachusetts 8th grade students to bring the Declaration of Independence to life in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“The First Lady and I are so excited to be a part of this initiative and to hear the thoughtful, passionate voices of so many students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Opportunities like this highlight the creativity and insight young people bring to important conversations about our democracy. I look forward to seeing how each participant interprets these ideals and uses their voice to inspire others and help shape the future.”
"I'm thrilled that as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, Boston's eighth graders will take part in the We Declare! Challenge,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “It is especially fitting that the home of the nation's first public school system – and the birthplace of the American Revolution – continues to lead in helping the next generation engage with the Declaration of Independence in new and innovative ways. I'm grateful to the organizers and the panel of judges for sharing their time and expertise to support this important effort.”
The We Declare! Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments® with support from MA250, invites every 8th grade classroom in the Commonwealth to submit short, creative, school managed videos of students reading from the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence. The winning class will receive $2,500 scholarships for each 8th grade student in the submitting class, along with additional school and teacher prizes.
The 2026 panel of judges includes:
• Governor Maura Healey, Honorary Judge
• First Lady Joanna Lydgate, Honorary Judge
• Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Honorary Judge
• Katherine Craven, Executive Vice President, Administration and Finance, Babson College
• General Joseph Dunford, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• Pamela Everhart, Senior Vice President and Head of Regional Public Affairs and Community Relations, Fidelity Investments
• Deborah Glasser, Head of Specialty Care, North America, and U.S. Country Lead, Sanofi S.A.
• Reverend Dr. Greg Groover, President, Black Ministerial Alliance TenPoint
• Dr. Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
• Reshma Kewalramanni, M.D., President and CEO, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Lisa Krassner, President, Massachusetts Historical Society
• Keith Lockhart, Conductor, Boston Pops
• Pedro Martinez, Commissioner, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Rhonda Pacheco, President, U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head, Takeda
• Lee Pelton, President and CEO, The Boston Foundation
• Alan Ricks, Founding Principal and Co Executive Director, MASS Design Group
• Chad Smith, President, Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Rob Waldron, We Declare! Challenge Founder
“The Declaration of Independence remains one of the most powerful statements of human liberty ever written,” said General Joseph Dunsford, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Encouraging young people to understand and reflect on its meaning is essential to the strength of our democracy. I’m honored to support a challenge that invites students to engage so thoughtfully with our founding ideals.”
“Education has always been my greatest passion, and nothing inspires me more than seeing students bring their voices to a project like this,” said Rob Waldron, Founder of the We Declare! Challenge. “When young people engage with the Declaration of Independence, they’re not just learning history, they’re connecting with ideas that continue to shape our country. I’m grateful to our judges for helping highlight the importance of civic education as we celebrate America’s 250th.”
The winning class will receive $2,500 scholarships for every 8th grade student in the submitting class, along with $2,500 to the school, $1,000 to the submitting teacher, a school spirit event, and a planned broadcast of their video at the Boston Pops July 4th celebration. Two runners up will also receive school, teacher, and classroom awards, and every participating class earns a $100 gift card.
All 8th grade classrooms across the state are encouraged to enter the We Declare! contest. Submissions are due by June 3, 2026.
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