My name is Celeste Price. I was born and raised in Worcester. I have two amazingly beautiful, smart and talented children, Tyra and Josiah. My hobbies are shopping, spending time with my family as well as any and all things basketball. I love helping people, and being able to inspire and motivate others keeps me going. I am a graduate of Worcester State University, and hold a degree in Sociology. I also have a Master’s degree in Education, as well as, a Master’s degree in Counseling. I’m currently a Guidance Counselor in the Worcester Public Schools system. Education is a passion of mine; I’ve been in this field for almost 20 years. I have taught English as well as literacy in Worcester schools. Along with education, I am also passionate about basketball. I started playing at the Lincoln Square Boys Club when I was eight years old and was fortunate to be able to play throughout high school, college, and various women’s leagues after that. I have coached boys and girls basketball teams throughout the city, from beginning fundamentals through college. I am a member of a fellowship through the Massachusetts Department of Education called InSPIRED Fellows. Being that our educator workforce does not reflect our student population, our goal is to recruit and retain educators of color in our districts. I am the founder and President of Priceless Memories Scholarship Foundation. We are a nonprofit organization who are looking to give back to our community. Our mission is to provide monetary assistance to students who may not have the financial means to fulfill their educational journey. We have seen all too often students having high hopes of college attendance, only to receive their financial aid award and still not have enough money to make it happen. We believe that if we are able to fill in that gap even a little bit, we can make a difference. Our goal is to empower our community through education and opportunity.
Fun Fact: I taught 8th grade English in the same exact classroom where I learned 8th grade English.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I am a Guidance Counselor in Worcester. I absolutely LOVE my career. As a teacher, over the years, I noticed how my students would continuously gravitate towards me whether it was for advice, motivation, a shoulder to cry on or just someone to talk to and listen. Being in the classroom didn’t give me the time that was necessary to assist my students the way that I truly wanted. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to do more than help my students write essays, so I went back to school and got a second Master’s degree in Counseling. This transition has been such a blessing, because it has allowed me to be there for my students whenever they need me. If I’m able to help even one student, then I feel that I am doing what I have been called to do.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
I don’t really have a favorite restaurant. I love food, so I enjoy eating at many different places. My favorite dish right now is the brick chicken from Volturno‘s.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
The most interesting person I have ever met is hands down Maya Angelou.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d love to travel to Egypt, so that I could witness the amazing architecture in person.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My go to band is most definitely New Edition. You can’t go wrong with that station on Pandora. I could listen to “Can You Stand the Rain” all day!
What is your best advice?
My best advice would be that your desire for success has to be greater than your fear of failure… you have to fail in order to succeed… and if you want something you gotta go get it!
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
The top thing on my bucket list is a toss up between becoming an author and obtaining a doctoral degree.
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
A former local business that makes me the most nostalgic would definitely be the Lincoln Square Boys Club. I’m a club kid and honestly don’t think I’d be who I am without having had the experiences and opportunities that arose from being a member of that club
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
I’d love to have lunch with Oprah. She overcame so much adversity, and I would want to pick her brain on what is her key to success.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years, God willing, I hope to still be able to make an impact on our youth in whatever way I can. I see my foundation being bigger, better, and giving out full scholarships. Although I see myself retiring as a Guidance Counselor, I have been thinking about additional positions and opportunities that would help continue to develop generational wealth.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
Something interesting many people don’t know about me is how sentimental I am. It’s the little things that make a difference and that I cherish. It’s not about how much money is spent; it’s the thought behind things that truly matter to me. I’d take a handmade card over a store bought one any day. Chances are if you ever bought me a card, I still have it.
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
FAMILY-LOVE-PEACE
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
I would choose Sanaa Lathan to play me because she seems like she’s calm, cool and down to Earth. Also, she plays in my favorite movie, “Love and Basketball,” and her character resonates with me to the fullest.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
My favorite thing about Worcester is my family’s heritage in the city.
What is your favorite smell?
My favorite smell is men’s cologne.
Who inspires you to be better?
Tyra & Josiah
