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Head of School Dr. Derrick Ciesla helped senior Mason Braxter, a Codman Student Ambassador, with his tie before Codman Academy’s 25th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 29. Photos by Kenny Pierre
Codman Academy Charter Public School marked its 25th anniversary on Oct. 29 at Grace by Nia in the Seaport with a celebration of the students, families, alumni and partners who have shaped the institution.
The evening was chaired by Codman Academy Foundation President Henry Goodrow, who joined Board of Trustees President Dr. Regina Campbell-Malone on stage to welcome guests.
The school opened in September 2001 with 33 ninth graders in space inside the Codman Square Health Center. Today, it serves 345 students from K1 through grade 12. The Class of 2026 was Codman’s first K–12 graduating class, and every graduate was accepted to college.
The evening honored Codman’s co-founders, Meg Campbell and Bill Walczak, and George Brackett (in memoriam), along with the poet and former Codman Dean of Enrichment Porsha Olayiwola, who read a poem she wrote as a tribute to Codman’s 25-year partnership with the Huntington Theatre Company.
Alumni played key roles throughout the night. Aaron Bernardez, Codman ’18 and Holy Cross ’23, spoke and introduced the honorees. Lead singer Heyssis Castillo, Codman ’18 and Trinity College ’22, performed with her band. Codman juniors Alenny Guerrero and Maka Ali were joined by Junielia Bailey, Codman ’26 and now a student at Suffolk University, for an original spoken word piece.
Codman students and alumni served as event ambassadors, welcoming guests all evening, and the actor and theatre educator Naheem Garcia emceed.
Codman Academy Foundation President Henry Goodrow, right, who chaired the gala, with Board of Trustees President Dr. Regina Campbell-Malone.
Co-founder Bill Walczak.
Co-founder Meg Campbell.
Alumna Heyssis Castillo, Codman ’18 and Trinity College ’22, performed with emcee Naheem Garcia.
Alumnus Aaron Bernardez, Codman ’18 and Holy Cross ’23, with honoree Porsha Olayiwola.
Codman Academy Student Ambassadors at the 25th Anniversary Gala. Front, from left: Maka Ali, Alenny Guerrero, Jordan Benitez-Phillip, Nasir Green and Mason Braxter. Back, from left: Junielia Bailey, Abdihafid Abdikadir (Codman ‘23, UMass Lowell), Anttonella Rosa, Jonathan Choquette, and Samsom Asmelash.
Copyright © 2026 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. This content may not be re-published or re-used without written permission.
