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Helping Students and Teachers

Thrive Since 2005

TH

8Worcester EducationalDevelopment Foundation, Inc.

PRESENTS

Annual

Distinguished

Alumni & Friends

of the Worcester

Public Schools

Awards

November 8, 2018

College of the Holy Cross

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is pleased to support Worcester Education

Development Foundation

www.unibank.com Connecting all offices: 1.800.578.4270

Member FDIC/Member DIF

WORCESTER BRANCH 24 Gold Star Boulevard Worcester, MA 01605 508.756.0807

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Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the Worcester Public Schools 2018

RABBI ANDREW BAKERScholar and Spiritual Leader

DAVID BRUNELLEBusiness and Civic Leader

CLIFF GOODWINMusician

EDWARD G. HYDER (posthumously)Entrepreneur, Musician

STEVE JOSEPHBusiness Leader

PETER J. KAZANOVICZOcularist

ROBERT MOYLAN, JR.Innovative Leader

JO-ANNE O’MALLEY SHEPARD, M.D.Physician

ANDREW ORYBusiness Leader

PAUL PROKOBusiness Leader

REV. RICHARD TRAINORSpiritual Leader

Friends of the Worcester Public Schools SUSAN & CLIFF RUCKER & THE WORCESTER RAILERS

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November 8, 2018

Dear Honorees and Guests,

We warmly welcome you to the 8th Annual Dis-

tinguished Alumni and Friends of the Worcester

Public Schools ceremony. We are delighted that

you have joined us in celebrating the accomplishments of

individuals who have achieved at high levels and received the

foundation of their education right here in our city’s public

schools. We are also recognizing friends of the Worcester

Public Schools, a husband and wife who have embraced and

contributed to our community and our schools in so many

ways.

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc.

(WEDF) is sincerely grateful to our many partners who make

our work of supporting the Worcester Public Schools possible.

From large foundation grants to corporate and individual

donations, each and every contribution is appreciated. By

the end of this academic year, the generosity of a committed

community will have allowed us to invest more than $ 5

million in our most precious resource, the students of today

who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

Tonight we honor highly talented individuals who went

through our schools. We also ask for your support for our

future distinguished alumni. We thank you for your

attendance here this evening.

Sincerely,Stephen M. Pitcher Louise Clarke

President Executive Director

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ProgramNovember 8, 2018

Reception Burncoat Honor String Quartet

Welcome Hank Stolz, Emcee

WelcomeTom Murray, Chairman & WEDF Board Member

Greetings from the City of Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty

Greetings from the Worcester Public Schools

Maureen Binienda, Superintendent

Dinner

Presentation of Awards Stephen Pitcher, President of WEDF, Tom Murray,

Mayor Petty and Superintendent Binienda

Thank you to the Burncoat Honor String Quartet Ioanna Tchangova –Violin I

Liam Gates – Violin IIKim Nguyen – ViolaAaron Balboa – Cello

Dani Ramoni, Director

Special thanks to Holmes Shusas for the lovely centerpieces

Special thanks to the staff of and the College of the Holy Cross for their hospitality

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Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the Worcester Public Schools

2017 Jaki Byard (Posthumously) Barbara Carroll (Posthumously) Dennis Dimitri Kimberly Haddad Sheila Harrity Mark Holden John Mirick Gail Radcliff John Vo Geoffrey Zakarian Unibank

2016The Honorable John AndersonErica AyisiAmy Lynn ChaseEdwin “Ted” Coghlin (Posthumously)Robert Goddard (Posthumously)James LearyGail RandallDaniel Sedgwick, DMAEric SedgwickMarcy Supovitz

2015 Mary AframePhil BolducArthur Chase, (Posthumously)Leslie FishLaura GoldsteinStephen MillsJoe O’BrienTony SimollardesAnn-Marie SoulliereDonna WilliamsGerry Weston & WICNHarvard Pilgrim Health Care

2014John Conte Mary Beth Leonard Paul Gervais (Posthumously) The Honorable Mel Greenberg Dorothy Hargrove & Gordon Hargrove

Mark Harootian Frances Perkins (Posthumously)William Soutra, Jr.Joshua Swidler UNUM Corporation

2013Myrna BensonLaddavanh ‘Anna’ BouphavichithDeborah D. CaryAllan P. ‘Kool Kojak’ GriggJames HoganAlexis HyderAudrey Kurlan-MarcyErin Moran McCormickMichael OrlandThe Pagano FamilyJames RushtonJonathan Silverman

2012John Durkin, Ed.D. Jeffrey Greene Robert Harizi, M.D. Thomas Hehir, Ed.D. The Honorable Jordan Levy The Honorable Paul Mullaney Rachel Markarian Gladys Rodriguez-ParkerMilton Peterson Ralph SantanaThe Hanover Insurance Group

2011Charles Birbara, M.D.Joanne Feinberg GoldsteinLee GurelJarrett KrosoczkaHelena & Christos LiazosMiguel LopezJessie RandallStephen Pezzella, M.D.Isaac SpencerThe Junior League of Worcester

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The Class of 2018

Rabbi Andrew Baker Scholar & Spiritual LeaderDoherty Memorial High School

As Director of International Jewish Affairs of the American Jewish Committee, Rabbi Baker is responsible for AJC’s network of relationships with Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora and addressing the accompanying issues and concerns. He has been a prominent figure in international efforts to

combat anti-Semitism and in addressing Holocaust-era issues in Europe.

In January 2009 he was appointed the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in Office on Combating Anti-Semitism and has been reappointed in each successive year. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, an intergovernmental body of 57 nations headquartered in Vienna, has become a central arena for addressing the problems of a resurgent anti-Semitism. As a special envoy for the OSCE, Rabbi Baker has taken up the issue with senior officials in over a score of European capitals.

He has played an active role in pressing governments to confront the legacy of the Holocaust. He was a member of Government Commissions in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania and Romania that were established to examine Holocaust-era history and address the claims of its victims. He negotiated the agreement on Jewish communal property compensation with the Government of Lithuania and continues to be part of negotiations with Germany for support to Holocaust survivors.

For his diplomatic work in Europe, Rabbi Baker has been awarded national decorations by the Presidents of Germany (2003), Lithuania (2006), Latvia (2007) and Romania (2009).

He is a past President of the Washington Board of Rabbis and the Interfaith Conference of Washington. He served as a congregational rabbi in Chicago and a chaplain at San Quentin Prison in California.

Rabbi Baker received his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University and rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. He was born and grew up in Worcester, attended Worcester Schools, and was in the first graduating class of Doherty Memorial High School.

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David Brunelle, Business and Civic LeaderDoherty High School

David Brunelle was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. He attended Midland St. Elementary, Forest Grove Junior High and Doherty High School. While at Doherty, he served as class president as well as captain for both the football and the basketball teams. He was inducted into the Worcester Public Schools High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. After high school, David earned

his Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, where he also played football.

David is deeply committed to education and serving the underprivileged youth in the Worcester community. In 2007, he received the Worcester Public Schools Community Service Award and a governor’s citation in recognition of his service to the Worcester community. From 2004-2007, David served as Chairman of The Foley Stadium Renovation Project. David served on the board of the Worcester Educational Development Foundation for several years. He has served as a Trustee of the Nativity School of Worcester since 2012. He was a Corporator for the UMass Memorial Foundation, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Becker College. David was commissioner of the Greendale Youth Flag Football League for many years and he dedicated many years coaching youth football and baseball.

In 2001, David co-founded North Pointe Wealth Management in Worcester. With more than 25 years of wealth management experience, he serves individuals, business owners and executives, as well as family and charitable foundations. Prior to founding North Pointe Wealth Management, David worked with Paine Webber, Raymond James and First Union Securities.

David served on the advisory council at Investors Capital Corporation from 2008-2014 and held the position of Vice Chair and Chairman between 2010-2014. From 2003-2014 he was also the annual recipient of the Investors Capital Diamond Achievers award. In 2008, David was named one of Worcester Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty.” David served as a Director of Commerce Bank & Trust from 2008-2018. He currently is a Director of Berkshire Hills Bancorp as well as Forum Health Insurance Limited.

David lives in Paxton with his wife, Jodi, and their sons Jay and Matthew. Dave enjoys attending sporting events and traveling with his family.

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Cliff Goodwin, MusicianDoherty Memorial High School

Guitarist Cliff Goodwin has performed on the rock and roll circuit for the past five decades. Like many musicians of his era, the Beatles Ed Sullivan Show introduction inspired his first band which he brought together in the seventh grade. During his early teens, Cliff performed in many bands including his hometown band Albatross.

He achieved local-legend status when he formed the American Standard Band, a group that signed an independent record deal with Island Records.

In 1976, English singer Joe Cocker chose the American Standard Band as his touring and recording band. Although the band did not remain with Cocker, Cliff continued to tour and record with Cocker as his Musical Director for twelve years. They performed on many of the most renowned stages around the world including Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House, and recorded some of Cocker’s greatest hits including “Leave Your Hat On”, “Shelter Me”, “Fun Time”, and “Up Where We Belong”.

In between Cocker tours, Cliff recorded with Robert Palmer at Island Records Bahamas Studio on Palmer’s “Secret” album. They collaborated on several of Palmer’s greatest hits including “Bad Case of Loving You”, “Mean Old World”, and “Under Suspicion”. Over the years, Cliff performed with other legendary artists including Etta James, Richie Havens, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Joan Baez, John Sabastian, and James Cotton. Giving back to his home town, Cliff established and coordinated the ever-popular Elm Park Concert series for 22 years.

Currently, Cliff performs with the Mohegan Sun All Stars, James Montgomery Band and SNL Band veteran Christine Ohlman. He travels internationally with Mad Dogs Unchained, a Joe Cocker musical retrospective band. He continues to play on the local scene with the Silverbacks, a band that includes musicians with whom he has played since his early teens. Cliff also recently recorded his first solo CD, The Cliff Goodwin Rhythm and Blues Union.

Cliff’s sentiment is “ It’s not about the prestige of the venue, it’s about doing what you love. I am blessed beyond belief to make a living doing just that – surrounded by friends and family, here at home and around the world.”

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Edward G. Hyder (posthumously) Entrepreneur and Musician North High School

Born and raised on Grafton Hill, Ed was a third-generation grocer and an entrepreneur. From age 10, Ed worked alongside his father and uncles at the original Hyder’s Market, a small grocery store and butcher shop on Hamilton Street. In 1975, he opened Ed Hyder’s Medi-

terranean Marketplace, a small ethnic market, designed to be a place where people could find foods from their native lands. After moving to a few locations in the Pleasant Street and Park Avenue neighborhood, Ed purchased the former Winslow Street Fire Station in 1994. As the busi-ness grew and evolved into a specialty food store, Ed was pleased that it became a destination for people looking for fine wines, gourmet and prepared foods, and items produced locally in Worcester.

Ed learned how to drum in his teens and soon after began playing professionally in both American and Middle Eastern bands. He traveled throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic for two decades, playing at festivals, weddings, and other special events. A lover of jazz music, local station WICN was always on Ed’s dial.

Ed was proud to be from Worcester and took great pleasure in meeting and serving people from the community at his store. It was natural to him to support other local businesses and to take advantage of much of what Worcester has to offer, from summer concerts at Institute Park to baseball games at Fitton Field. He was an active member of Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, where he served on the Board of Trustees, as an officer of the Knights of St. George, on the archive committee, as a cook in the kitchen for church dinners, and as a planner many events. Ed belonged to Boy Scout Troop 72, which was attached to St. George’s, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in his late teens.

Ed’s wife Edna retired after a 25-year teaching career in the Worcester Public School system, and his children Alexis, Miriam, and Gregory are all graduates of Doherty High School. Ed attended Dartmouth Street School, Grafton Street Junior High, and North High School – and would sing the Grafton Street Junior High alma mater upon request! Ed was an active member of the North High Class of 1968 and was heavily involved in planning its 50th reunion when he passed away. The Worcester Public Schools cultivated Ed’s love of reading, learning, and word games – he often had a crossword or good book within reach, as well as a glass of his new favorite wine.

Ed loved the Worcester Public Schools: inasmuch as they enriched and

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bettered his life, and offered him the chance to meet a diverse range of people, many of whom became fast friends, he loved them the way he loved Worcester itself.

Steven Joseph, Business LeaderBurncoat High School

Steven Joseph began his journey through the Worcester Public Schools as a student in the first Head Start program at Wawecus Road School. He later attended Cambridge St. Elementary School, Providence Street Junior High and graduated from Burncoat High School. Following a post graduate year at Worcester Academy he went on to attend

Lehigh University on a football scholarship graduating in 1983 with a B.S. in Finance. He later received an MBA from Nichols College.

He began working at the former Paul Revere Insurance Company and following mergers with Provident Life and Accident and Unum, he built a 34 year career at this one company. He has held various leadership positions and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Individual Disability Insurance (“IDI”) at Unum. He is also the senior leader at Unum’s Worcester campus. In his current role he is responsible for running the IDI product line which exceeds $ 500 million of in force premium. Through his leadership Unum has become the recognized market leader in providing IDI products at the worksite.

Unum’s strong belief in supporting communities and non- profits has allowed Steve to serve Worcester in a variety of ways. He currently is on the board of several non-profits including the Hanover Theater, Worcester Community Action Council, United Way, Working for Worcester and the Worcester Education Collaborative. He along with then principal Maureen Binienda worked together to build a corporate school partnership at South High that has lasted for over 10 years. Unum has provided support and opportunities for students, faculty and employees to enhance the educational experience of the students. Today Unum has several employees that were first introduced to the company through this partnership.

Steve has always been proud of his Worcester roots and the education he received from the Worcester Public schools. His fondest memory of those days was the first day of class at Burncoat High school when his wife Lee walked into the classroom. Since that first meeting they have built a life together with their daughters Becky and Abby. Steve and Lee take great pride in the opportunity to work and be a part of this great community.

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Peter J. Kazanovicz, OcularistNorth High School

Peter Kazanovicz is a Board Certified Ocularist who specializes in the fitting and fabrication of hand crafted custom artificial eyes. He currently practices in locations throughout New England and his work has twice been featured on the cover of National Geographic. Over his 35 year career, his talent and commitment to the field of Ocularistry has

improved the quality of life for thousands of patients.

Peter was born here in Worcester and was educated in the Worcester Public School system, graduating from North High in 1984. It was there he met his wife of 34 years, Michelle.

Peter continued his education at Worcester Industrial Technical Institute. There he achieved academic excellence and earned the prestigious M.A.R.D.O. award. While at WITI he was offered a highly coveted apprenticeship with Monoplex Eye Prosthetics, the artificial eye division of American Optical. There he completed his apprenticeship and became one of only 150 Board Certified Ocularists nationwide.

In 1991, Peter purchased Studley Ocular Laboratories in Bedford NH. He has offices in Sturbridge, MA, Portland, ME and he continues to serve the Worcester community by seeing artificial eye patients at Magay and Baron Opticians.

When he isn’t painting eyes in his studios, you can find Peter spending time with his four children, two of whom currently practice in the business with him, or spoiling his four grandchildren. He has resided in Southern NH for thirty years, but ask anyone who knows him and they will tell you his “home” will always be on Grafton Hill.

You can learn more about Peter and his business by visiting www.studleyocularlaboratories.com or by emailing him at Petekaz@aol.com.

Robert Moylan, Jr., Innovative Leader North High SchoolRobert L. Moylan, Jr., was the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Parks for the City of Worcester Massachusetts for 22 years, retiring in 2014. As Commissioner, he was responsible for Worcester’s water, sewer and street systems, public parks, recreation and cemetery, parking lots and garages, solid waste collection and disposal, fleet

maintenance, street lighting, and the construction of public buildings

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including public schools, fire stations and parking garages.

He is a graduate North High and the University of Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He was appointed Commissioner of Public Works in January 1993. Prior to his appointment, he held a wide variety of technical and managerial positions with the Department during his 42 year career. Bob is a Registered Professional Engineer and a Registered Professional Land Surveyor. He has been published in American Public Works, World Wastes, American Water Works and Wastewater Environment Federation and is a frequent lecturer on public works and solid waste issues. In 1998, he was recognized as one of American Public Works Associations’ Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year from its over 29,000 members. He has held a variety of leadership positions in the American Public Works Association as well as the New England APWA, including President of the New England Chapter and President of the APWA Transportation Committee. He is a founding member of the Massachusetts Coalition for Water Resources Stewardship and was its first president. He also served on the Worcester Credit Union Board of Directors for over 35 years and as its President for 10 years. He has been a member of the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District Board of Directors for 26 years and its Chairman for 12 years. Mr. Moylan was recently appointed by Governor Baker to the Massachusetts DOT Board of Directors, which oversees all transportation related issues including highways, mass transit, aeronautics and registry of motor vehicles.

Mr. Moylan is now a consultant to both industry and government in matters involving public works.

Jo-Anne O’Malley Shepard, MD PhysicianDoherty Memorial High School

Jo-Anne was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, the oldest of six children, Deborah, Patricia, Timothy, Elizabeth (Murphy) and John (Jr.) O’Malley. Their parents, John and Anne O’Malley were educators, who valued excellence in education. Jo-Anne and all her siblings attended the Worcester public schools including Lee Street School (K-6), Forest Grove

Junior High School (7-9) and Doherty Memorial High School (10-12). Lee Street School was a traditional neighborhood school that provided a sound education in the fundamentals while close to home. At the time, both Forest Grove Jr. High and Doherty were state-of-the-art new facil-ities that provided advanced academic opportunities and wide-spread

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extra-curricular activities in sports and the arts with the help of talented and dedicated faculty members. Jo-Anne enjoyed all that Doherty had to offer including great friends, student government, ski club trips to Killington, tennis team, and football games under the lights at Foley Stadium. She benefited from this supportive and creative environment, becoming Valedictorian of her high school class while aspiring to a career in medicine.

Jo-Anne graduated from Boston University College of Liberal Arts, magna cum laude, and Boston University School of Medicine in 1977. She completed an internship at Hartford Hospital, a residency in diagnostic radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and a fellowship in Computed Tomography and Ultrasound at the Boston VA Medical Center. Jo-Anne is Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School. She has been a diagnostic radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital since 1982, where she is currently Director, Thoracic Radiology and Intervention and Chief of the Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship. Jo-Anne was awarded the coveted McGovern Award for clinical excellence by her peers at Massachusetts General Hospital and the One Hundred Award from the MGH Cancer Center for her contributions to cancer care through the lung cancer screening program which she helped to develop. Most recently she published a widely used textbook by radiology residents, The Requisites: Thoracic Imaging, 3rd edition. She takes great pride in having taught hundreds of medical students, residents and fellows over the past 40 years.

Jo-Anne is most proud of her family. Jo-Anne and her husband William (Bill) Shepard Jr, live in Dover, MA and have three adult children, Sarah of Boston and John and Robert of New York.

Andrew Ory, Business LeaderDoherty Memorial High School

Andy Ory is a graduate of Doherty Memorial High School and Harvard University. Thereafter, he embarked on a career in the technology sector founding Priority Call Management, Inc. which allowed service providers to offer prepaid calling, enhanced messaging and one-numbered service.

In 2000, Andy founded Acme Packet. The company’s mission was to enable service providers

and enterprises worldwide to harness the power of interactive voice, video and unified communications over internet protocol networks. In 2006, the company had its IPO. Acme Packet experienced remarkable growth, was named one of the best places to work in Massachusetts,

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and in 2013 was acquired by Oracle Corporation for $2.1 billion. Mr. Ory is the co-founder and presiding CEO of Burlington based 128 Technology, Inc. which, according to its website, “is on a mission to fix the internet.”

Andy is involved in several educational and philanthropic organizations, serving as a trustee at both the Fenn School and Concord Academy, and as a member of the Middlesex School’s Board in a pro tem capacity as the president of the Middlesex Parents’ Committee. He is also Chairman of the Board at the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard University and a board member of the Lincoln Historic District Commission and the Lincoln Historical Commission.

Paul T. Proko, Business Leader South High School

Paul T. Proko was bon and raised in the Columbus Park neighborhood of Worcester. He attended Columbus Park School, Woodland Street Preparatory School, and South High School. Upon graduation from South High, Paul attended Upsala College in East Orange, NJ, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English/Secondary

Education. He later received a Master of Business Administration from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA.

Paul honed his leadership skills at South High both on and off the football and baseball fields, and the basketball court. In his senior year, he was named co-captain of the football and basketball teams, and tri-captain of the baseball team. In addition to being selected to the National Honor Society, he led many activities outside of sports, which included the co-editorship of his senior yearbook.

After graduating from Upsala College, Paul began his career at the former Paul Revere Companies in Worcester, where he ascended the leadership ranks and became an officer. As Vice President, he was appointed by the President and CEO to turnaround a function experiencing severe service problems, and to co-lead an enterprise-wide Quality Has Value program, with responsibility for approximately 200 teams charged with generating, evaluating and implementing cost saving and service enhancement ideas.

From Paul Revere, Paul joined the MassMutual Insurance Group headquartered in Springfield, MA as Vice President in Client Services, and later Claims. Among his accomplishments, he successfully integrated two service organizations resulting from a merger, implemented a call center, and initiated a segmented service model for elite producers.

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Following retirement from MassMutual, Paul became an adjunct faculty member at Anna Maria College, where he is currently teaching multiple courses in its business school. He also serves on the Executive Committee for the non-profit Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Worcester. Paul lives in Holden and Mashpee with his wife, Ann. He has two adult daughters, Despina and Deanna.

Rev. Richard Trainor, Spiritual LeaderSouth High School

Reverend Richard Trainor, a member of the baby boomer generation, is the son of Richard Trainor, Sr. and Helen Cashman Trainor. He attended the Worcester Public Schools from kindergarten through Grade 12, followed by nine years of seminary education. He has a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts-philosophy from Niagara University, Niagara, N.Y., a Master of Divinity, St. John’s Seminary, Boston, and a Master of Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology

in Cambridge, MA. He was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Worcester in 1975, and has spent the last 43 years in parish and diocesan ministry in Worcester County.

During his 13 years in the Worcester Public Schools, he had scores of dedicated teachers that he admires greatly. Within the past year, he celebrated the funeral Mass of his kindergarten teacher, Miss Mary Mahan (Mrs. Mary Murphy) and he still visits his first grade teacher, Miss Dorothy McGauley of Notre Dame Long Term Care. He also remembers the principals of the schools he attended, for their skills to administrate made such an impression on him: Mr. Bowen, Woodland Street School; Miss Olga Johnson and Mr. Laurence Houle, Columbus Park School, and Mr. Theodore Dumas, South High.

His aunt wrote a note to him once saying that it was wonderful that “you became what you wanted to be.” Reverend Trainor states, “Yes, because of the Worcester Public Schools I had the foundation for my future, ‘I became what I wanted to be.’”

Friends of the Worcester Public Schools Susan & Cliff Rucker & The Worcester RailersIn just a few short years, Susan and Cliff Rucker have become community leaders. In 2016, Cliff Rucker announced his ownership of the Railers and since

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then he has quickly invested in Worcester’s real estate. He was the force behind the development of the Worcester Ice Center and two eateries and he has plans for the Railers Sports Tavern. Mr. Rucker is a Danvers businessman also serves on the boards of St. Vincent Hospital and YOU, Inc.

Susan and Cliff have included the children of Worcester in their generous outreach. Skate to Success is a learn to skate program

that takes place in the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center and serves over 2,500 fourth grade students from the Worcester Public Schools. Every Tuesday, from September through late March, the Railers bus 100 fourth grade students to the Ice Center. Each student is equipped with skates and a helmet before receiving instruction from Railers players, coaches, and staff, along with Boston Bruins alumni. After each skate, all students enjoy a lunch from Nonna’s Pizza and Pasta and receive a Skate to Success Railers welcome packet which includes school supplies, a Skate to Success jersey, and autographs from Railers players and mascot Trax.

In addition, each November the Railers host a School Day Game and all of Worcester’s elementary schools are invited to attend. The Railers provide transportation and heavily discounted tickets. For many of Worcester’s students, the opportunity to learn to skate and attend a hockey game would not be possible without Susan and Cliff Rucker and the Worcester Railers.

Susan and Cliff are passionate about ice hockey and live on the North Shore with their five children.

Joe Santa MariaCreative Director Kill the Ball Media7 Felton Street Hudson,MA508-726-4217 joe@killtheballmedia.com killtheball.com

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

TABLE SPONSORSBlessed Sacrament ParishDoherty High Class of 1967SueAnn and Cliff GoodwinThe Hyder Family and FriendsPeter Kazanovicz and Studley Ocular LaboratoriesDavid Brunelle and North Pointe Wealth ManagementRobert Moylan, Jr.The O’Malley FamilyThe Ory FamilyCynthia and Stephen PitcherPaul ProkoTower Hill Botanic GardenThe Trainor FamilyUnumWorcester Educational WDevelopment Foundation, Inc.Worcester State University

CONTRIBUTORSRabbi Andrew BakerDavid BrunelleBurncoat High SchoolLouise and Jeff ClarkeDoherty Memorial High SchoolJohn MirickNorth High SchoolCynthia and Stephen PitcherGail RandallJonathan SilvermanSouth High Community School

ADVERTISERSThe Arena FamilyBecker CollegeBlessed SacramentTony Economou/ReMaxHarvard PilgrimHolmes ShusasStephen MillsMurray & Murray, LLCO’Connors RestaurantRev. Richard Trainor, Jr.

VALEDICTORIANUnum

SALUTARIANCollege of the Holy Cross

Unibank

HIGH HONORSFidelity Bank

Hanover Insurance GroupNorth Pointe Wealth Management

HONOR ROLLEAW

Fallon HealthFront Street Associates

Kill the Ball MediaCynthia and Stephen Pitcher

Quinsigamond Community CollegeUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School

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We’re proud to support the 8th Annual Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the Worcester Public Schools

Achievement Awards.

Together we’re building healthier communities for everyone.

www.harvardpilgrim.org

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Congratulations to

Worcester Educational

Development Foundation

and your

Distinguished Alumni & Friends

1160 West Boylston Street, Worcester MA 01606 Telephone: 508.853.0789

www.oconnorsrestaurant.com Hosts & Proprietors: Brendan & Claire O'Connor

"A Worcester County Institution"

“Even if the last move did not succeed,

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CongratulationsClass of 2018

Distinguished Alumni

Thank You Worcester Teachers!

Steve Mills

&

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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use

to change the world.”— Nelson Mandela

THE TRAINOR FAMILY

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Thomas V. Murray, Jr. Esq. • Sean C. Murray, Esq.688 Pleasant Street

Worcester, MA 01602(508) 754-4900

www.murraylawyers.com

HONORS WEDF, THE DISTINGUISHED

ALUMNI 0F THE WORCESTER PUBLIC

SCHOOLS AND ALL THOSE WHO HELP

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS THRIVE.

8

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Holmes Shusas FloristFRESH AND FREEZE DRIED FLOWER MERCHANTS

1 Arrat Street, Worcester, MA 01609www.holmesshusas.com • 508-853-2550

61 Sever Street, Worcester, MA 01609 | www.becker.edu

BECKER COLLEGE

WEDFThank you,

We applaud your continued effortsin supporting our local students.

clear, clean design

for printed materials

fun^

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Blessed Sacrament Parish

Congratulates

Fr. Richard Trainor

South High School1966

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Congratulations to the 2018

Worcester Educational Development Foundation

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNIof the

Worcester Public Schools

Your dedication, enthusiasm and insight are truly inspiring. We wish you

many more years of great achievements.

AaFran, Jeff & Laura

Arena

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Caring for our CommunitiesAt Fidelity Bank, it is part of our long-term mission to help improve the quality of life in our communities. Our contributions to the communities we live and work in are something we take very seriously.

We are proud to know through supporting the Worcester Educational Development Foundation, we are helping to create a strong foundation for all of us.

Thank you for all you do.

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PROUD SPONSOR OF THE

Worcester Educational Development Foundation Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the Worcester Public Schools

Congratulations to all the honorees!

55 Lake Avenue NorthWorcester, Massachusetts 01655-0002 http://www.umassmed.edu

Front Street AssociatesCongratulates this year’s

Distinquished Alumniof the

Worcester Public Schools

Bb

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n To work for the welfare of school children, the advancement of education and, the improvement of instructional opportunities for all.

n To advance the interest of the schools and to raise the standards of the professional and non-instructional personnel.

n To form a representative body able to speak with authority for the membership.

n To improve the conditions both of professional and non- instructional personnel relative to their employment and to bargain and enter into collective bargaining agreements for the benefit of the members.

n To cultivate a spirit of understanding and good will among the membership and the community.

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The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. was established to support the educa-tional offerings of the Worcester Public Schools. Through a host of partnerships with foundations, corporations, organizations, and individuals, WEDF is able to enrich programs and provide support through materials and

awards. WEDF needs your support to help us strengthen our work. Gifts of all sizes make a difference to students. Please consider giving to assist in nurturing our most precious resource, our children.

I would like to give a tax deductible gift to the following:☐ Mini-grants Teachers ☐ College and Career Readiness

☐ Health & Wellness ☐ Coats for Kids

☐ Physical Education ☐ Books for Babies

☐ Athletics ☐ Suzanne K. Ford Memorial Scholarship

☐ Visual/Performing Arts ☐ Ryan Quinn Memorial Scholarship

My favorite school: ___________________________________In memory/honor of: __________________________________Amount of gift: _______________________________________Name: ______________________________________________Address: ____________________________________________Phone: ______________________________________________Email: ______________________________________________☐ Check enclosed☐ Credit card information

Card number: ________________________________________________

Expiration date:_____________Security code: ______________________

Billing address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________Phone number: _______________________________________Email: ______________________________________________

Or donate at wedfwps.org. Questions? Call 508-688-4773 Send checks to: WEDF, Suite 224, 210 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA 01602

THANK YOU!!

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WEDF BOARD OF DIRECTORS2018-19

Stephen Pitcher . . . . . . . . . .President

Maria Gorsuch-Kennedy . . . 1st Vice President

Louise Clarke . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President, Executive Director

Frances Arena . . . . . . . . . . . .Treasurer

John Monfredo . . . . . . . . . .Clerk

DIRECTORS Maureen Binienda Robert Layne

Tony Economou Thomas Murray

Kathleen Finnegan Susan O’Neil

Linda Larrivee Kimberly Salmon

Honorary Director

Stephen Mills

2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF THE WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMITTEE

Thomas Murray, Chairman

Frances Arena Janet Lyons

Shannon Bartley Stephen Mills

McHala Williams Brophy Kerry Mulcahy

Louise Clarke Jan Parent

Tony Economou Stephen Pitcher

William Wallace

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Congratulations to Steven Joseph on his recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus of Worcester Public Schools

Unum is proud to support the Worcester Educational Development Foundation. Thank you for providing resources to give our students and teachers a future for success.

©2018 Unum Group. All rights reserved. Unum is a registered trademark and marketing brand of Unum Group and its insuring subsidiaries. NS18-155

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