Celebration of Learning
2009
The 13th annual Celebration of Learning banquet, co-sponsored by the Wakefield Educational Foundation and the Wakefield School Department, was held recently at Wakefield High School. This evening is a time to honor students, staff and volunteers and to take time out to celebrate the things that make our schools great. Over 350 attendees were welcomed by WEF President, Gayle Wettach. WEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational enrichment programs to the students in Wakefield at all grade levels. The foundation’s role is to acknowledge, support and promote academic excellence.
Fourth graders from each of the elementary schools were congratulated by their principals and recognized for exemplifying the core values of their respective schools. Those honored include:
Dolbeare students: William Holman, Jenna Dunton, Abigail MacDonald, Mark Chiodi, Theresa Fallon, Michael Leven, Julianne Reilly, and James Hanron.
Woodville students: Gina DiMascio, John Glendye, Nicholas McMahon, Carly Holbrook, Cross Meehan and Ashley Newbegin.
Greenwood students: Caroline Bennett, William Shea, Christina Freni, Evan Burns, Louise Canavan, and Conor Gregson.
Walton students: Marissa Hoffman and Timothy Hurley.
Galvin Middle School students were recognized by Dr. Paula Mullen for exemplifying the core values of their school which include Commitment, Achievement, Respect and Enthusiasm. Those honored include:
David Holman, Reilly McNamara, Mishelle Melanson, Nicholas Kelley, Geneva Hancock, Angeline LoBrutto, Thomas Auffrey, Melanie Orcutt, Hannah Rodgers, Ariana Chavez and Jessica Vozzella.
Wakefield High School students honored by principal Ellie Freedman include:
Lisa DeGuglielmo, Patrick Holleran, Patrick Comeau, Bianca Cotter, Kailee Visco, Michael Gover, Emily Wright and Andraya Carmilia Smith.
Several community members were nominated this year. Four students were honored for their commitment to the Challenger Basketball program. These students gave of their time for several years to coach and referee basketball games for the mentally challenged. Catie Goldstien, Julie Goldstein, Ray Elcewicz and Mike Noonan were recognized for their dedication. John Kennedy from Honeydew Donuts was honored as a community member that has gone above and beyond to help the Wakefield Public Schools.
Faculty members were recognized for their complete dedication to the ideals of education and their abilities to make learning an enriching experience for all students. These staff members include:
Paula Curley, Cathy Keefe, Shannon Lyman, Janice Barry, Leslie Roberto, Priscilla Hunt, Frank Marino, Andrew Tetreault, Janel Stevenson, and Jane Gutowski-Connell.
Several volunteers were recognized for their generous support of and commitment to the students and staff of the Wakefield Public Schools. Those recognized were Beth Sullivan, Kate Fallon, Tania Helhoski, Stephen Gates, Ginny Lomasney, Chris Oneschuk, Susan Mello, Angie Sciarappa, Tricia Desrocher, and Jeanne Attaya. The Wakefield Alliance Against Violence was also recognized by Ellie Freeman, and accepted by Lynne Zerfas.
This year the Celebration of Learning banquet also recognized those staff members that will be retiring this year. Superintendent, Joan Landers, spoke of their commitment to the students and their years of dedicated service to Wakefield schools. Those retiring this year include, Marilyn Hober, Monica Natwig, Maggie Riordan, Ed Walsh, Patty O’Keefe, Brenda DiNinno and Marie Vacca.
A special award was presented this year to Brian Middleton-Cox. The Rookie Award was created as a special tribute to the new principal of the Woodville Elementary School. The award was supported by faculty and parents to recognize the outstanding job that Mr. Middleton-Cox has done in his first year as principal.
The evening ended with many thanks being extended for making the evening possible. The very talented Culinary Arts students from the high school prepared and served the delicious meal. Sue Worden and her WEF team organized the decorations and the dinner, The Gold Medal WHS Jazz Band played before and during dinner and special thanks were given to Joan Landers for all her support of the Wakefield Educational Foundation and the students of Wakefield.
Supporting Excellence in Education
Celebration of Learning 2009 Banquet
Wakefield High School Recipients
Galvin Middle School Recipients
Dolbeare Elementary School Recipients
Walton Elementary School Recipients
Greenwood Elementary School Recipients
