Chelsea students honored for athletics and music; superintendent announces $50,000 to support future music travel

Chelsea — At the start of the meeting the Chelsea School Committee recognized student athletes and performers across multiple sports and arts programs and presented awards to coaches and volunteers.

Superintendent Dr. Ala highlighted the Chelsea High School varsity teams for reaching playoffs and praised coaches for building community through athletics. She called up many students and coaches by name and presented awards, including a “Everyone Shines Together” recognition for head coach Caesar Castro.

Administrators also celebrated the Chelsea Canari and the district jazz band for performing at Disney Springs. Dr. Ala credited staff, volunteers and Senator Sal Dominico for helping secure the trip and told the audience that the district expects to receive $50,000 "in the next two months" to support a future music program travel opportunity. “You pick the location, you pick where you’re going to go, and we’ll pay for it,” she said.

The committee invited the groups to perform at the state house and encouraged Chelsea residents to attend the performance at the State House. District communications and performing arts staff were also acknowledged for supporting live‑streaming and wider coverage of student events.

Why it matters: The announcement of earmarked supplemental funding for student travel is notable because it represents a district commitment to extracurricular programming at a time when the district is also adopting a budget that reduces some student‑facing positions.

Sources: Superintendent remarks and recognition list at the start of the Chelsea School Committee meeting.