The Global Director for the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network — Youth (SDSN Youth), Brighton Kaoma is set to speak at Boston Arts Academy’s Commencement Ceremony this month. Kaoma, considered one of the most powerful voices today in sustainability and environmental change, has inspired thousands of young people across Africa and beyond. Born and raised in Zambia, at age 14, he became a radio broadcaster with a focus on climate change, garnering some 2 million weekly listeners. “I’m using my lived experience to help young people living in similar situations to flip the page and turn their situations into warrior fuel to propel them,” said Kaoma, in regards to the upcoming commencement.

In 2015, he was awarded the Queen's Young Leaders award by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom, for his exemplary leadership and efforts in global sustainable development. The following year, he became the first African to be awarded the Global WWF International President's Award, an annual award by the World Wildlife Fund honoring outstanding young people who are committed to protect nature and help people live in harmony with nature. His full journey, together with challenges, triumphs and lessons learnt has been penned in his debut self-help book coming out in December, 2022. Brighton is also the Global Director of the United Nation Sustainable Development Solutions Network — Youth, where he leads global programs involving 4000+ young entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and activists working on solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals across 127 countries in 6 continents.

“The Class of 2022 has had extraordinary success despite the challenges they have faced during their high school career. We are very proud of all that they have accomplished, and we can't wait to celebrate their future success,” said Anne R. Clark, Ed.D., Head of School at Boston Arts Academy.

“Brighton is the embodiment of what Boston Arts Academy strives to instill in each of its students, as artists, scholars, and global citizens. I’m overjoyed to have such an inspiring and trailblazing young man of color speaking at Boston Arts Academy’s commencement, the icing on the cake for an already amazing celebration of BAA’s Class of 2022 graduates and all they have accomplished over the last four years,” said Denella J. Clark, President and CEO of Boston Arts Academy Foundation.

Boston Arts Academy Foundation will also highlight three 2022 Philanthropy Superstars at Commencement: Jay Fee of Nelson Mullins, Academy-Award winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter and Mark Lev of Fenway Sports Management. These Superstars have played a critical role in supporting BAA’s students and the school as BAA plans to open its new state-of-the-art school building in Fenway, this Fall 2022.

Monday, June 13 at the Shubert Theater from 2-4 PM

, and will also include student performances and art presentations.

One of World’s Leading Environmental and Climate Innovators Brighton Kaoma, Boston Arts Academy’s Commencement Speaker

After three years without live, in-person performances, our Boston Arts Academy students finally returned to the stage for 

, a showcase of the hard work and talent across the artistic majors of Dance, Fashion Technology, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. We are excited to share with you now the recordings of BAA's Instrumental artists: 

As the 2021/2022 school year comes to a close, we ask you to 

Keep our students dancing, singing, playing, composing, designing, acting... and succeeding! 

Boston Arts Academy is free for students to attend, but the true cost of education for each student is about $5,000 per year. BAA Foundation makes this possible by raising funds for our incredibly gifted artists, scholars, and global citizens. By giving before the school year ends this June, you will help the next class of BAA students to access the arts-intensive, college preparatory education they deserve. 

Make your best gift and help sponsor a student today

—show our students that you believe in their talent and their potential.

Don't miss out! Tune into BAA's Instrumental Springfest recording!

Aracelis Arrieta, Theatre Major, BAA '22

"My ambition is to work as a screen actor. My family cannot afford to take out student loans, so the school provided me with some financial aid. I plan to take the artist/activist persona I've honed at BAA with me to New York to spark the change I'm starting to see in Boston. I hope to make an impact and return to BAA one day to inspire other kids to pursue their ambitions."

Luigi Bianchi Simonet, Theatre Major, BAA '22

"I am so grateful to keep my ultimate dream of becoming an Actor and to motivate masses ALIVE. I have received some scholarships, but my parents aren't able to afford the full tuition remaining. A little help will allow me to dedicate as much time as possible to my craft since I will need to start working, which could be an obstacle to my progress. I am determined to achieve my goals, and investing in my future will only lead to positive outcomes. I am ready to come back to Boston Arts Academy as a figure to look up to, who can motivate and move future young stars."

Unique Berry, Theatre Major, BAA '22

"It was my dream to become an actor, but during the pandemic, I sadly lost the inspiration. It was a tough time figuring out what I wanted. Once we came back to school, I saw other actors and became one again myself. I finally realized my love for it again. At the moment, I haven’t received any money due to paperwork, and am still waiting for responses. Regardless, I'm extremely happy I got the chance to be a part of this wonderful community that taught me to love my art again. I hope to bring that love into more productions and opportunities in the future, even back to my community here at BAA."

Time Is Running Out! Join us in donating to the campaign for Class of 2022 college scholarship funding—

Meet three of our Senior Theatre Majors & Support Boston Arts Academy's Class of 2022 today!

Zayda Adams, BAA '22

. I was accepted into my dream school, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, as a drama major! I aim to become a screen actor and know that BAA has helped me on this journey, and NYU will continue to lead me to success... Being able to attend this university will also show aspiring actors at BAA that anything is possible and that they too can fight for their own dreams."

Zayda's journey through Boston Arts Academy as a Theatre major has been impressive. In the last year alone, she was accepted into the distinguished summer program at the NYU Tisch School Drama Program, named 

for her work in theatre and for her submission of two filmed monologues, and accepted into NYU Tisch School of the Arts for college! We are so proud of Zayda and can't wait to watch her grow and continue to achieve her dreams!

Students like Zayda have worked so hard to master their crafts, succeed in their studies, and be accepted to college. 

This is your chance to donate towards scholarships for Boston Arts Academy’s diverse, talented, deserving graduating seniors. Gifts of all sizes add up to make a difference!

Now Is The Time to celebrate and support Boston Arts Academy's Class of 2022!

Visit the link below to learn more and show your support!

Watch Zayda talk about her experience at BAA:

Class of 2022 College Scholarships: Help Send Students like Zayda to College and Beyond

Each year, the Champion Reception is a time to honor our BAA Champions – individuals in our community that believe in the students of Boston Arts Academy. This year, we are excited to honor Commonwealth of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Maristela Rapo, President and Founder of Giving The Glam. Both Charlie and Maristela believe in our students' potential and providing opportunity where talent exists.

It's been a tough year for the students, from food insecurity to struggling with anxiety and depression; though our students continue to persevere. In addition to celebrating Boston's most iconic rock bands, the premiere screening of the student performance will also feature remarkable new works by BAA students surviving, conquering and flourishing during the pandemic, through their art as part of the 

I hope you can join us in person for the Champion Reception at Roxbury Community College on Friday, February 4, 2022. The event will take place at the Commons (Building 3) from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please note: we will be following City of Boston and RCC guidelines regarding COVID-19 to ensure the safety of our guests.

If you'd like to sponsor or buy an ad in the program book, please email me at 

Tickets to the Champions Reception ($100 each) can be purchased here

. There's a limited amount of spots left, so grab your Reception tickets today!

Buy your virtual BAA Rocks! tickets (starting at $10) 

Buy your in-person Champion Reception tickets ($100 each) 

BAA students will premiere new works at Champion Reception. Grab your tickets!

, on creating the five-story glass curtain wall. She also shares how her teacher, Gretta Olton, and her mother played a role during the creative process. 

Students News

One of World’s Leading Environmental and Climate Innovators Brighton Kaoma, Boston Arts Academy’s Commencement Speaker

Don't miss out! Tune into BAA's Instrumental Springfest recording!

Meet three of our Senior Theatre Majors & Support Boston Arts Academy's Class of 2022 today!

Class of 2022 College Scholarships: Help Send Students like Zayda to College and Beyond

BAA students will premiere new works at Champion Reception. Grab your tickets!

Natalia Reyes from Dorchester designs five-story glass art piece

Talent is evenly distributed in society, but not opportunity. Help us change that reality in Boston.

Donate