Doing it for Dad

For Elliott McKenzie, the diploma he casually tucked behind his ear

after Monte Vista and Back Bay high schools’ commencement Thursday was

anything but a casual accomplishment for him.

What would have been a great moment for the 18-year-old Back Bay

graduate became a mission completed.

“Today is my father’s birthday, but he died last year,” McKenzie said.

“This is all for him.”

McKenzie, who was also a scholarship recipient from the Orange County

Teachers Federal Credit Union, dedicated his day and his accomplishments

to his father.

“He taught me that success is a choice,” McKenzie said.