For years Chelsea High School students and residents have had a lowly reputation in most communities in the Boston area. Most athletic teams and their fans don’t think they are going to be treated well when they visit Chelsea.

The city’s students are aware of their negative image. Some say that they don’t care, but others think that this is unacceptable.

Lately, some CHS students have challenged this stereotype and pitted their behavior against that of high school students from around the country. CHS students more than held their own.

This past winter, Chelsea High School students were singled out for their maturity and professionalism while competing in both the Harvard Model Congress and the Massachusetts Drama Guild competition.

During February vacation, history teachers Deidre Collins, Andrew Milmore, and David Weinberg led a group of enthusiastic students attending the Harvard Model Congress, which is hosted once a year by Harvard University. Students go there to learn about government and politics by assuming different legislative roles. They also get to enjoy the experience around Harvard as well.

The instructors leading the program were impressed by the behavior of CHS students and gave out numerous awards to prove it. I had the pleasure to speak to some of the CHS mentors and students who went to the Harvard Model Congress.

“They behaved very well compared to all the other schools,” said Mr. Weinberg.

“I was flattered to see kids [from CHS] influence others so positively and in a good mannerly way,” Said junior Dzevad Prlja.

“I was actually glad to be a Chelsea High student when I saw how other schools behaved,” said junior Jemima Barrios.

Right now you’re probably thinking to yourself, “That’s only a one time thing,” but it’s not. On Saturday, March 1, the Drama Club competed in the Massachusetts High School Drama Guild competition against Brookline High and others. Our drama team won the Manager’s Choice Award, which is given by the stage manager to the team that is best behaved and most easy to work with.

Drama team member Austin Hightower was thrilled with the award, even though CHS came in fourth. “We cooperated really well, and everyone enjoyed us being there,” he said.

This award is not given to a school that’s picked out of a hat; it is a very difficult award to receive. Over a dozen schools competed, and Chelsea High students managed to get noticed for their attitude and actions.

All this shows how we have improved as individuals, within our school, community, and city with the help of teachers, mentors, parents and others. Chelsea students have improved their behavior toward others and are developing into young men and women that will lead Chelsea to a much brighter and more successful future.



People are starting to notice Chelsea in a new way.