Athol Coach Sheridan working with the defensive line during the HSPD Camp sponsored by the NFL and the National Guard.
Mahar alumni, Tab Bassett, works with Mahar player Travon Goddette.
You are currently browsing the monthly archive for June 2010.
The first meeting of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Strategic Planning Committee was held on May 27, 2010. At this first meeting committee members came to a consensus in the identification of Stakeholder Groups and named liaisons for each. Once this was accomplished an open discussion regarding the core values of the district took place. The Stakeholder Groups and Liaisons are:
Group I: Parents – Liaison: Chante Jillson
Group II: Collaborative Agencies - Liaison: Susan Wallace
Group III: Local Businesses – Liaisons: Olinto Paoletti and Rick Kwiatkowski
Group IV: Educational Agencies – Liaison: Dr. Edward McCaul
Group V: Fire and Police – Liaison: Officer Chad Softic
Group VI: Students – Liaison: Adam Bergantino
Group VII: Elected Officials – Liaisons: Robert Andrews and Rick Kwiatkowski
Group VIII: Organizations and Clubs – Liaison: Olinto Paoletti
Group IX: School Council – Liaison: Chante Jillson
Group X: School Committee – Liaisons: Judy Curley and Scott Hemlin
Group XI: Mahar Staff – Liaison: Matthew Parsons
Group XII: Sports Boosters – Liaison: Chad Softic
The next meeting of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Strategic Planning Committee will be held on June 30 at 4:00 PM in the Eileen Perkins Media Center at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School. Any person who is interested in speaking with the any of the above named Stakeholder Group Liaisons is encouraged to contact the Superintendent’s Office at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School at 978-544-2920.
Left to right–Commissioner Chester, Mrs. Grosky, Governor Patrick, Secretary Reville
The Commissioner of the Massachusetts of Department Of Elementary & Secondary Education, Mitchell D. Chester cordially invited Anne Grosky, from Mahar, to a celebration honoring excellence in teaching. The event was held Friday, June 11, 2010, at The Great Hall in the State House, Boston Massachusetts.
This past Saturday I attended the Retirement Banquet for the Teachers and Staff who will be closing out their long and distinguished careers in the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District. As I prepared my congratulatory speech for these consummate professionals, I came to know that our seven retirees worked a combined 222 years in the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School. I could not help to stop and reflect on how many students were served by these individuals or think about the total number of lessons that were given by my esteemed, soon to retire colleagues.
Our seven retirees along with all of the other educators who began their teaching careers in the 1970’s have been witness to and lived through the continuous flux that has surrounded the American Education System for a very long time. When our most veteran retiree, Mrs. Softic started teaching in 1971 federal legislation had yet to be passed to require individuals with disabilities be included in the education of their same aged peers. The students did not have cellular phones, video games, or I-pods, and nor were there computers in the classrooms to assist in the instruction of curriculum. In many cases, the only curriculum to speak of was the one that the teacher decided to implement each day.
In 1971 the starting pay for a teacher at Mahar was $6,500.00. If a teacher hired in 1971 were to receive a 3% raise each year, every year until 2010, he or she would be taking home approximately $20,000.00 per year after 39 years of full-time service. And let us not forget that when teachers were hired in 1971 there were still educational requirements that they must have in order to get teaching jobs. Now, in 2010, a teacher must have a Bachelors Degree, must have had some formal education in the area of teaching and learning, must pass tests for educational licensure, and must obtain a Masters Degree within the first five years of hire.
Today, the expectations of the teaching profession are being compared to the expectations of the world of business. This can be found in the focus on results and outcomes on tests of basic skills with the accompaniment of rewards for excellence and penalties for underperformance. To be blunt, the Federal Government is telling schools that they must improve and the improvement of a school is based on how well students do on tests of basic skills in the areas of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The demands of the Federal Government are being adhered to by each state’s Department of Education and we are all working to improve student outcomes while at the same time providing your children with a place that is first and foremost, safe.
The fiscal crises that are being faced by each town are calling upon local officials and local school leaders to make reductions to school budgets. Educators are being called upon by the Department of Education to do more, and then called upon by Town Governments to do more with less. So it is through improved effectiveness and increased efficiency that we make the educational environment safer with fewer counselors and have our students read and write better with fewer teachers. Adding to the dilemma that some suggest lowering the salaries of those who might be successful in the completion of these tasks, the field of education becomes less attractive to those who would be deemed the best and the brightest teachers. The most qualified simply go elsewhere and become employed doing other things.
What happens next?
Student test scores fall.
School culture plummets.
Families choose to send their children to other public school districts via School Choice.
Those who can afford private schools for their children exercise this option.
There is then less funding for essential services such as bussing, counseling, and mediation.
Losing sports teams.
Drop out rate increases.
Schools become characterized by violence and drugs.
Property values decrease.
Those who can afford homes elsewhere leave.
Tax base decreases.
Go back to the top of this list and start the process again.
I am proud to say that this is not the case in the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District. We boast a school committee that displays the understanding that a strong school system is the axis on which an entire community can transform and improve. We have clarity in our belief that a strong school attracts the attention of families who seek the best for their children. We are driven by a strategic plan that provides an inspirational and motivational compass. Many in the area are now aware that Mahar is a great school – and the school committee and administration is on a path to make it even better.
If you would like for your children to be part of our excellent programs, our championship sports teams, or feel that that they would benefit from the support of our outstanding Coordinated Counseling Team or Special Education Department, please do not hesitate to contact us. With the completion of the 2010 – 2011 Schools’ Master Schedules complete, we are looking to fill seats that we have available for students to come to Mahar via Massachusetts School Choice Policies. It would be my pleasure to schedule a tour of our multi-million dollar facility and answer any questions that you may have. For more information please visit http://www.rcmahar.org/.
Our seven retirees along with all of the other educators who began their teaching careers in the 1970’s have been witness to and lived through the continuous flux that has surrounded the American Education System for a very long time. When our most veteran retiree, Mrs. Softic started teaching in 1971 federal legislation had yet to be passed to require individuals with disabilities be included in the education of their same aged peers. The students did not have cellular phones, video games, or I-pods, and nor were there computers in the classrooms to assist in the instruction of curriculum. In many cases, the only curriculum to speak of was the one that the teacher decided to implement each day.
In 1971 the starting pay for a teacher at Mahar was $6,500.00. If a teacher hired in 1971 were to receive a 3% raise each year, every year until 2010, he or she would be taking home approximately $20,000.00 per year after 39 years of full-time service. And let us not forget that when teachers were hired in 1971 there were still educational requirements that they must have in order to get teaching jobs. Now, in 2010, a teacher must have a Bachelors Degree, must have had some formal education in the area of teaching and learning, must pass tests for educational licensure, and must obtain a Masters Degree within the first five years of hire.
Today, the expectations of the teaching profession are being compared to the expectations of the world of business. This can be found in the focus on results and outcomes on tests of basic skills with the accompaniment of rewards for excellence and penalties for underperformance. To be blunt, the Federal Government is telling schools that they must improve and the improvement of a school is based on how well students do on tests of basic skills in the areas of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The demands of the Federal Government are being adhered to by each state’s Department of Education and we are all working to improve student outcomes while at the same time providing your children with a place that is first and foremost, safe.
The fiscal crises that are being faced by each town are calling upon local officials and local school leaders to make reductions to school budgets. Educators are being called upon by the Department of Education to do more, and then called upon by Town Governments to do more with less. So it is through improved effectiveness and increased efficiency that we make the educational environment safer with fewer counselors and have our students read and write better with fewer teachers. Adding to the dilemma that some suggest lowering the salaries of those who might be successful in the completion of these tasks, the field of education becomes less attractive to those who would be deemed the best and the brightest teachers. The most qualified simply go elsewhere and become employed doing other things.
What happens next?
Student test scores fall.
School culture plummets.
Families choose to send their children to other public school districts via School Choice.
Those who can afford private schools for their children exercise this option.
There is then less funding for essential services such as bussing, counseling, and mediation.
Losing sports teams.
Drop out rate increases.
Schools become characterized by violence and drugs.
Property values decrease.
Those who can afford homes elsewhere leave.
Tax base decreases.
Go back to the top of this list and start the process again.
I am proud to say that this is not the case in the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District. We boast a school committee that displays the understanding that a strong school system is the axis on which an entire community can transform and improve. We have clarity in our belief that a strong school attracts the attention of families who seek the best for their children. We are driven by a strategic plan that provides an inspirational and motivational compass. Many in the area are now aware that Mahar is a great school – and the school committee and administration is on a path to make it even better.
If you would like for your children to be part of our excellent programs, our championship sports teams, or feel that that they would benefit from the support of our outstanding Coordinated Counseling Team or Special Education Department, please do not hesitate to contact us. With the completion of the 2010 – 2011 Schools’ Master Schedules complete, we are looking to fill seats that we have available for students to come to Mahar via Massachusetts School Choice Policies. It would be my pleasure to schedule a tour of our multi-million dollar facility and answer any questions that you may have. For more information please visit http://www.rcmahar.org/.
RALPH C. MAHAR REGIONAL SCHOOL
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friday, June 11, 2010 180th Day of School
LOST & FOUND
Items in lost and found not claimed by June 16 will be donated to charity.
HUNTER EDUCATION
There will be a hunter education class at Mahar Regional this summer. The class will be held on Tuesday, July 20; Saturday, July 31; and Sunday, August 1. You need to register online for the class at www.masswildlife.org.
See Mr. Roche or Mr. Mexcur with any questions.
Have a safe and happy summer!
Mahar grads urged to ‘create yourself’
CLICK HERE FOR –> Rep. Chris Donelan’s Keynote Address
ORANGE —– Friends and family filled the stands at the football field to join in the commencement ceremonies of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School class of 2010 on Friday.
The vice president of the class, Caleb Truesdell, started the ceremonies by speaking. “The past six years we’ve had our fear, excitements and our achievements.” He thanked staff saying during the six years, the graduates had learned an outstanding work ethic and had developed the drive to become the men and women they wanted to be.
He continued by thanking parents, “Without our parents’ constant support and love we would never have made it to where we are today. Thank you, parents.”
“Create yourself.” This is the message of State Rep. Christopher Donelan, D-Orange, to the Mahar graduating class of 2010. “‘Life isn’t about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself.’ This is a quote by George Bernard Shaw,” Donelan said. “Who you are today is a creation of your experiences, here you have received the knowledge and skills to create yourself and the job of creating yourself has just begun. The process of creating yourself never ends.”
He shared another one of his favorite quotes with graduating seniors: “The world is run by those who show up … I hope you choose to show up.”
He left the graduates with these words: “Let nothing hold you back. Be willing to be the one who shows up. Forget about finding yourself, create yourself.”
Scholarships
1794 Meetinghouse Scholarship: Sarah Adams, Danielle Smith.
202 Street Hockey Association Scholarship: Kyle Cellana, Nicole Thorp.
AARP Grace Chapter 3673 Scholarship: Ian Pulley.
Athol Masonic Charity and Education Society Scholarship: Nicole Thorp.
Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship: Amy Aldrich, Meghan Durgin, Amanda Johnson.
Brian Lanou Memorial Scholarship: Sarah Adams.
C. Edward and Vondy Rowe Scholarship: Thomas Powell.
Christine Lavigne Wallen Scholarship: Nicole Thorp.
Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Mu Scholarship: Lauren Donovan.
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 46 Scholarship: Kyleen Wise.
Elks National Foundation “Most Valuable Student” Scholarship: Thomas Richardson, Benjamin Simon.
Goddard Trust Scholarship: Sarah Adams.
Helen and Remo Cellana Charitable Scholarship: Amanda Johnson.
Janine Holston Memorial Scholarship at the Community Foundation of North Central Mass.: Rachel LeBlanc.
John S. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship: Meghan Durgin.
Kyle G. Flood Scholarship at the Community Foundation of North Central Mass.: Benjamin Simon.
Kyle G. Flood Theater Scholarship: Rachel LeBlanc.
Mahar Key Club Timothy Donelan Memorial Scholarship: Haider Hussain, Ryan Robichaud.
Mahar National Honor Society Scholarship in Memory of Harold Torstensen: Brent McGrath.
Mahar National Junior Honor Society: Kyleen Wise.
Mahar Teachers Association Scholarship: Sarah Adams, Brent McGrath, Thomas Richardson.
Mahar Touchdown Committee-Kyle G. Flood Football Scholarship: Nicholas Adams, Brian Beauchemin, Kyle Cellana, Timothy Chandler, Thomas Powell, Ian Pulley.
Mount Grace Sno Snoopers Scholarship: Tiffany Hamel.
Neil R. Burnham Memorial Scholarship: Amanda Johnson.
New Salem Academy Scholarship: Amy Aldrich, Stephanie Carey, Chelsea Harris, John Whittier.
New Salem Scholarship Fund: Amy Aldrich, Tiffany Hamel, Chelsea Harris, John Whittier.
North Central Mass. Association of Realtors-Gladys Whitten Memorial Scholarship: Brent McGrath.
North Central Mass. Association of Realtors-Raymond Bourgeois Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Ian Pulley.
Orange American Legion Post 172 Scholarship: Christopher Calcari, Kyle Cellana.
Orange Elementary Teachers Association Scholarship: Lauren Donovan, Nicole Thorp, Caleb Truesdell.
Orange Firemen’s Relief Association Scholarship: Amanda Johnson, Thomas Richardson.
Orange Police Association Scholarship: Dane Jobst.
Paula A. Joly Memorial Scholarship: Michael Davidson.
Parents for Mahar Students Scholarship: Christopher Calcari, Dane Jobst, Nicole Thorp.
Petersham/Ethan Clark Memorial Scholarship: Meghan Durgin, Ryan Matthews.
Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts Scholarship: Benjamin Simon.
St. Mary’s Women’s Club Scholarship: Kyle Cellana, Michael Pierson.
Tully City Council Scholarship: Ryan Matthews.
Wheelerville Community Club Scholarship: Kyle Cellana, Dane Jobst.
Women of the Moose Chapter 316 Scholarship: Meghan Durgin, Tiffany Hamel.
Awards
The 2010 Ralph C. Mahar Awards Night was held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Kermit W. Cook Auditorium. Seniors were presented with certificates, medals, trophies, awards and scholarships as follows: Art: Rachel LeBlanc and Kyleen Wise, excellence in 2D art; Jeffrey Tencatti, excellence in 3D art; Karissa Boulet, Timothy Chandler and Moriah Bridges, creativity in art; Sarah Adams and Brent McGrath, exemplary work ethic in art, and Cody Vitols, achievement in art.
Mathematics: Brent McGrath and Kathryn Ray, excellence in mathematics, and Brittany Fisher, exemplary performance in advanced accounting. Science: Thomas Reidy Powell, excellence in biology, excellence in drafting, and participation on the Envirothon team. Brent McGrath and Thomas Reidy Powell, for excellence in chemistry; Lauren Donovan, excellence in environmental science, and Matthew Marsh, Brent McGrath, Thomas Reidy Powell, and Thomas Richardson, excellence in physics.
Golden Hammer Award: Sydney Chandler, excellence in woodworking.
Awards for participation on the Junior Engineering Technological Society Team, known as JETS: Amber Judge, three years of participation; Ronald Grasso and Thomas Reidy Powell, two years, and Brent McGrath, one year.
World Language: Brent McGrath, excellence in accelerated honors Spanish; Michael Davidson, Amanda Johnson, and Kathryn Ray, excellence in advanced honors Spanish; Austina Towle, excellence in French II.
President’s Education Awards Program award in recognition of outstanding academic excellence: Sarah Adams and Haider Hussain.
Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators’ Association Student Achievement Award: Tyriq Rochester.
Brent McGrath received the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Student Achievement Award for scholarship, excellence and leadership.
Excellence in health: Nicholas Adams, Sarah Adams, Blayne Calcari, Michael Davidson, Meghan Durgin, Dane Jobst, Rachel LeBlanc, Brent McGrath, Thomas Reidy Powell, Kathryn Ray, Thomas Richardson, Benjamin Simon, Jeffrey Tencati, Nicole Thorpe, Mackenzie Whitmore, John Whittier and Cameron Woodcock.
Excellence in physical education: Nicholas Adams, Sarah Adams, Amy Aldrich, Brian Beauchemin, Blayne Calcari, Timothy Chandler, Michael Davidson, Nicolas Guerra, Dane Jobst, Amanda Johnson, Brent McGrath, Thomas Reidy Powell, Ian Pulley, Kathryn Ray, Thomas Richardson, Benjamin Simon, Jeffrey Tencati, Nicole Thorpe, Cody Vitols, John Whittier and Cameron Woodcock.
The 2010 Country Players Community Theater Award: Ian Pulley.
The Robert M. Ellison Award, excellence in the field of music, Sydney Chandler.
Excellence in jazz band: Sydney Chandler.
Excellence in chorus: Jessica Blouin, Sydney Chandler, Rachel LeBlanc, Austina Towle, Moriah Bridges, Jessica Rivers and Kyleen Wise.
Excellence in band: Michael Davidson, Amber Judge and Ian Pulley.
Participation in Peer Mediation: Nicholas Adams, Shelby Cormier, Lauren Donovan, Meghan Durgin, Brent McGrath, Elise Powers and Benjamin Simon.
Training Active Bystanders: Benjamin Simon, Dane Jobst, John Whittier and Nicolas Guerra.
Student Council/Student Government: Nicolas Guerra, Thomas Richardson, Benjamin Simon and Kathryn Ray.
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD): Sydney Chandler, Sarah Adams and Kristin Goddu.
Mock Trial: Nicolas Guerra and Benjamin Simon. Toga Yearbook: Nicole Thorp and Meghan Durgin. Mahar Key Club: Chelsea Harris and Nicolas Guerra, outstanding citizenship; Amber Judge and Thomas Reidy Powell, outstanding sportsmanship and Amanda Johnson and Brian Beauchemin, outstanding athletes.
Key Club trophies: Brent McGrath and Kathryn Ray, outstanding academic.
Key Club membership: Nicholas Adams, Amy Aldrich, Chelsea Harris, Amber Judge, Benjamin Simon and John Whittier, 4 years; Joel Colburn and Thomas Richardson, 3 years, and Caleb Truesdell, one year.
The Key Club recognized John Whittier as president; Thomas Richardson, vice president; Nicholas Adams, treasurer, and Amber Judge, secretary.
Key Club trophies for outstanding achievement this year: John Whittier, 161 service hours; Chelsea Harris, 165 hours, and Caleb Truesdell, 178 service hours.
Perfect attendance for senior year: Michael Davidson, Justin Judge, Brent McGrath and Michael Pierson.
Graduates
Nicholas R. Adams, Sarah Christine Adams, Amy E. Aldrich, William Anderson, Justin Daniel Andrews, Christian J. Aniolowski, Shane Michael Barberian, Julia A. Barron, Rebecca Lynn Barter, Brian Joseph Beauchemin, Brynne Cheries Bernier, Jessica M. Blouin, Karissa Marie Boulet, Heather Janel Bradshaw, Moriah Rosa Elizabeth Bridges, George E. Brooks, C. Blayne Calcari, Zachary Edmond Cameron, Stephanie Nicole Carey, Kyle Cellana, Sydney Lee Chandler, Timothy Michael Chandler and Candace Lynn Clayton.
Joel J. Colburn, Benjamin J. Cooke, Shelby Alyce Cormier, Kayla Dorothy Cutler, Michael Patrick Davidson, Kevin Dery, Lauren Donovan, Brittany Sue Drouin, Nicola Lynn Duguay, Meghan K. Durgin, Chelsea Rae Fairman, Brittany M. Fisher, Lee Freeman, Courtney Christina Glendenning, Kristin Elizabeth Goddu, Ronald Joseph Grasso, Nicolas David Guerra, Stephen R. Hahn-Barberian, Tiffany M. Hamel, Sondra Michelle Hardy, Chelsea Marie Harris, Haider Hussain, Dane Christopher Jobst, Amanda Melissa Johnson and Olivia Lee Joseph.
Amber Raye Judge, Justin John Judge, Dylan Kakitis, Elena Lombard Kostoulakos, Tennettey J Langille, Rachel Ann LeBlanc, Kayla Rose Loughman, Amber Marie Marion, Matthew Evan Marsh, Ryan Craig Matthews, Brent Daniel McGrath, Joshua W. Nawotny, Samantha Marie North, Adam Odell, Corey Joseph Odell, Michael James Pierson, Abigail Carrie Pistorino, Thomas Powell, Elise F. Powers, Ian Matthew Pulley, Matt Raimon, Kathryn L. Ray, Hope Redinger, Lucas Richards and Thomas M. Richardson.
Jesica Rivers, Ryan R. Robichaud, Felicia Marie Robideau, Tyriq Rochester, Tyler Walker Rose, Benjamin Aubin Simon, Danielle Lanette Smith, Erik A. Stevens, Jeffrey A. Tencati, Nicole Marie Thorp, Austina Lynn Towle, Julienne Elizabeth Trease, Caleb Gerald Truesdell, Cody James Vitols, Alexandro Valentin, Mackenzie Elizabeth Whitmore, John Paul Whittier, Kyleen Alizabeth Wise, Seth Tyler Woodbury and Cameron D. Woodcock.
By CARLA CHARTER
Recorder Correspondent
The original painting by Jan Scott, from which the above image was taken, hangs in the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School library.
He was considered the father of regional schools in Massachusetts. The $2,500,000 Mahar Regional senior-junior high school which opened in 1957, was named in his honor. Born Jan.4, 1912, son of Mrs. Bertha I. (Mills) Mahar and the late Dr. Harold R. Mahar, he was a graduate of Orange High School ’30, Tufts College with a BS degree, 1934, and Northeastern School of Law. He also received an honorary MA degree in 1949 from Tufts College for work in the fields of education, public health, and public welfare. He was a member of the Massachusetts and Franklin County and Hampshire County Bar Associations.
Senator Mahar was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1937 at the age of 25 and served in the Senate from his election in 1944 until his death in 1962. In 1947, he introduced the bill that changed Massachusetts State College to the University of Massachusetts and was said to consider the university his “pet project.” He worked hard to bring a community college to Orange, even though a reluctant school committee at the time would not go all out for the idea. It went to Greenfield. He also served on the special commission for postwar problems following both World War II and the Korean conflict which is credited with the establishment of the Soldiers Home in Holyoke and a complete revision of the veterans laws. He was a chairman of the Ways and Means Committee under Governor Christian A. Herter and chairman of the Education Commission, a member of the recess commission for retarded children and the State Taxation Commission. He took all seven degrees of the Grange and was a member of the state and national Grange. (Athol Daily News: August 6, 1962)
Senator Mahar worked hard in Boston, often against the tremendous odds brought by the fact that the greater population of the Commonwealth is in metropolitan Boston, and is often apt to overlook or disregard the needs of smaller communities throughout the State. His honesty was unquestioned in a State government which had been rocked by scandals during his service. It was rumored that he was to be appointed to a judgeship, and would in his later years be freed from the constant pressure of a State Senator, which anyone knows is tremendous.
Senator Mahar was the principal speaker at the graduation exercises at our school the year of his death (1962). At that time he told the class:
“May you always have faith in yourselves whatever hardships may develop in the years ahead. May you be the individuals in the sense that you make up your minds, that you think straight and that you stand on your own two feet. May you have a sense of social conscience which shows concern for your fellow man, and yet, may I urge you to beware of the philosophy of those who advocate something for nothing.”
Whether it was in behalf of the dam and pond at the Mahar Regional School, a small matter when considered on a State-wide basis, or in behalf of an appropriation for the 6th World Sport Parachuting Championships in Orange, during which he was subjected to some ridicule by other legislators who knew little of what they were talking about in this matter, Senator Mahar always went all out and fought hard for what he believed in. (The Orange Enterprise and Journal: August 9, 1962)
- A Special Thank You to Janice Lanou, Librarian, Wheeler Library, Town of Orange, for providing much of the above material!
Distinguished platform guests, class officers, faculty and staff, parents and friends and members of the class of 2010.
So tonight is the big night. I have to say that this class, of 2010, is probably one of the more talented, both in academics and athletics, than any I have seen at this school. You deserve our applause.
I want to thank the class of 2010 for inviting me to be a part of this special night.
Having kids of my own here at Mahar, I know most of you. I have attended your games, some of you have camped out on my living room floor.
I have written college recommendation letters for a lot of you, So I am honored to be a part of your special ceremony and I want to take advantage of that honor by using my time tonight to speak directly to you and pass along a few thoughts I hope will help you as you begin the next journey of your life.
As you contemplate your future and prepare for the several steps you have yet to take in life, allow yourself to remember all of the people, places and interactions you have had in life.
Your family and friends. Priests or ministers. The staff at Mahar and the friends you have made here.
All of the contacts and experiences you have in life are what weave the fabric of your being.
Who you are, your values, your goals are all influenced by the interactions you have and what you bring away from those interactions.
This goes for past interactions, current experiences and it will apply to all future interactions.
So here is a thought that you can feel free to use whenever you are trying to figure out where you are going and how you are going to get there.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself, Life is about creating yourself.” George Bernard Shaw said this and there is so much wisdom in that short statement.
You do not find values, you form them. You do not find knowledge you aquire it. You do not find character, you build it.
Who you are today you did not find, you are the product of your creation and that creation has its foundation in all of the interactions you have had right here.
Think about your experiences at Mahar. The goal here has been to educate you. To teach you and prepare you for life.
Here you have acquired the knowledge and skills you will need to create yourself: dedication, hard work and self discipline. Here you have been challenged to change and grow.
What is fascinating about today is that this is just the beginning. The job of creating yourself has just begun, and as you leave here, I want you to remember that the process of creating yourself never ends. As long as we experience life, we continue to grow and change. The creation is ongoing.
So as you contemplate your choices and look at all your options, I want to ask you to consider public service as a path toward continuing that creation.
Getting involved in your community is very rewarding. Volunteering, working in the service sector or being in elected office offer ways that we can contribute to our quality of life. It is a way of influencing the creation of others.
I started in public life a month after my college graduation. I accepted a position as a police officer in my community and eventually worked in the criminal justice field for 16 years before changing course. I am now completing four terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
One thing I have learned along the way is that there is no shortage of complainers, but there is a severe shortage of people willing to get involved.
This leads me to the second thought I wanted to share with you. Think about this one. “The world is run by those who show up.”
The first time I heard that I chuckled to myself until I realized how true it is.
Think about local government. Your school committee or board of selectmen. Think about the state House or the White House. Those in charge choose to show up, and now they make decisions that shape our community, our Commonwealth and our country. The question is, will any of you decide to show up?
It is our hope that you will. That is why so many of us in this community worked so hard to build this beautiful academic and athletic facility, so that the many talented students who pass through these doors will be the future leaders of America.
It is our hope that you will be the men and women who will make the right choices, rather than the easy ones. That you will be the ones willing to show up.
Some of you might wonder if these thoughts really apply to you. Can a graduate from a small high school in the tiny town of Orange really do anything that will make a difference?
I had those same thoughts when I sat with my classmates on this stage waiting to receive my Mahar diploma.
Draw inspiration from a story I want to tell you about a man who did make a difference. He is someone you are all familiar with, but none of you know. A man who often inspires me.
He graduated from Orange High School in 1930. He had greater challenges than most of us. He was legally deaf and needed braces on his legs to help him walk.
He went off to college and, despite his handicaps, he excelled , earning his bachelors degree and eventually a law degree. He returned to his small town and taught high school for a time but then decided that he wanted more. He wanted to make people’s lives better.
He was a strong believer in intergenerational responsibility; that is the obligation of each generation to leave our community stronger for the next. He wanted to be one of those people who show up.
He ran for state representative. He lost. But think about it. It is the early 1930’s. He is deaf and struggles to walk.
Many gave him credit for trying and left it at that, but trying wasn’t enough for this young man. He was determined. He ran again for state representative the next available opportunity. He worked harder and longer.. and this time he won.
Now picture his arrival in Boston. He gets off the train, he has difficulty hearing, there are no handicap ramps to ease his steps and he comes from a part of the state where there are more cows than people.
If he was noticed at all it was because the city folks were looking down their noses at him. That was alright. No excuses. He would just work harder than everybody else.
He served in The House of Representatives from 1938 until 1944 when He was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate.
This small town boy was using all he had learned in high school, college and in daily interactions to create himself.
I could keep you here all night listing his accomplishments, instead I will simply tell you that he went on to serve with distinction for 18 years in the Massachusetts Senate rising to the position of Chairman of Senate Ways and Means, arguably one of the three most powerful men in State government.
During that time he wrote and passed the law that created regional schools in Massachusetts and he wrote and passed the law that created the University of Massachusetts.
Think about this for a moment. This one man transformed education in Massachusetts.
Every person who has had the benefit of a good education because they were able to attend a regional school has him to thank,
and nearly 50 years after his death, thousands still benefit from their University of Massachusetts Degree, because he chose to show up and use his leadership and vision to create a state university in Massachusetts.
He was a young man from the small town of Orange. You all know his name, but I would bet most of you did not know his story. He was Senator Ralph C. Mahar.
This high school you are graduating from tonight serves as a monument to Senator Mahar and his dedication to education and to future generations. This school also serves as a monument to you and your potential.
And if you have the opportunity to visit the University of Massachusetts, there is a round building next to the Isenberg School of Management, the Ralph C. Mahar Auditorium. Again, a monument to a great man from a small town who chose to show up.
In 1962, Senator Mahar was the guest speaker at this very podium, talking to the graduates of the high school that had just been named in his honor. He said to them;
“"May you always have faith in yourselves whatever hardships may develop in the years ahead.
May you be individuals in the sense that you make up your minds, that you think straight and that you stand on your own two feet. May you have a sense of social conscience which shows concern for your fellow man.”
He was telling those graduates to create themselves.
When you leave here tonight for the last time, remember the story I have told you. Let nothing hold you back. Be the one willing to show up. Forget about finding yourself, go out there and create yourself…. and with the grace of God and your hard work – I know each of you will create something special.
So tonight is the big night. I have to say that this class, of 2010, is probably one of the more talented, both in academics and athletics, than any I have seen at this school. You deserve our applause.
I want to thank the class of 2010 for inviting me to be a part of this special night.
Having kids of my own here at Mahar, I know most of you. I have attended your games, some of you have camped out on my living room floor.
I have written college recommendation letters for a lot of you, So I am honored to be a part of your special ceremony and I want to take advantage of that honor by using my time tonight to speak directly to you and pass along a few thoughts I hope will help you as you begin the next journey of your life.
As you contemplate your future and prepare for the several steps you have yet to take in life, allow yourself to remember all of the people, places and interactions you have had in life.
Your family and friends. Priests or ministers. The staff at Mahar and the friends you have made here.
All of the contacts and experiences you have in life are what weave the fabric of your being.
Who you are, your values, your goals are all influenced by the interactions you have and what you bring away from those interactions.
This goes for past interactions, current experiences and it will apply to all future interactions.
So here is a thought that you can feel free to use whenever you are trying to figure out where you are going and how you are going to get there.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself, Life is about creating yourself.” George Bernard Shaw said this and there is so much wisdom in that short statement.
You do not find values, you form them. You do not find knowledge you aquire it. You do not find character, you build it.
Who you are today you did not find, you are the product of your creation and that creation has its foundation in all of the interactions you have had right here.
Think about your experiences at Mahar. The goal here has been to educate you. To teach you and prepare you for life.
Here you have acquired the knowledge and skills you will need to create yourself: dedication, hard work and self discipline. Here you have been challenged to change and grow.
What is fascinating about today is that this is just the beginning. The job of creating yourself has just begun, and as you leave here, I want you to remember that the process of creating yourself never ends. As long as we experience life, we continue to grow and change. The creation is ongoing.
So as you contemplate your choices and look at all your options, I want to ask you to consider public service as a path toward continuing that creation.
Getting involved in your community is very rewarding. Volunteering, working in the service sector or being in elected office offer ways that we can contribute to our quality of life. It is a way of influencing the creation of others.
I started in public life a month after my college graduation. I accepted a position as a police officer in my community and eventually worked in the criminal justice field for 16 years before changing course. I am now completing four terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
One thing I have learned along the way is that there is no shortage of complainers, but there is a severe shortage of people willing to get involved.
This leads me to the second thought I wanted to share with you. Think about this one. “The world is run by those who show up.”
The first time I heard that I chuckled to myself until I realized how true it is.
Think about local government. Your school committee or board of selectmen. Think about the state House or the White House. Those in charge choose to show up, and now they make decisions that shape our community, our Commonwealth and our country. The question is, will any of you decide to show up?
It is our hope that you will. That is why so many of us in this community worked so hard to build this beautiful academic and athletic facility, so that the many talented students who pass through these doors will be the future leaders of America.
It is our hope that you will be the men and women who will make the right choices, rather than the easy ones. That you will be the ones willing to show up.
Some of you might wonder if these thoughts really apply to you. Can a graduate from a small high school in the tiny town of Orange really do anything that will make a difference?
I had those same thoughts when I sat with my classmates on this stage waiting to receive my Mahar diploma.
Draw inspiration from a story I want to tell you about a man who did make a difference. He is someone you are all familiar with, but none of you know. A man who often inspires me.
He graduated from Orange High School in 1930. He had greater challenges than most of us. He was legally deaf and needed braces on his legs to help him walk.
He went off to college and, despite his handicaps, he excelled , earning his bachelors degree and eventually a law degree. He returned to his small town and taught high school for a time but then decided that he wanted more. He wanted to make people’s lives better.
He was a strong believer in intergenerational responsibility; that is the obligation of each generation to leave our community stronger for the next. He wanted to be one of those people who show up.
He ran for state representative. He lost. But think about it. It is the early 1930’s. He is deaf and struggles to walk.
Many gave him credit for trying and left it at that, but trying wasn’t enough for this young man. He was determined. He ran again for state representative the next available opportunity. He worked harder and longer.. and this time he won.
Now picture his arrival in Boston. He gets off the train, he has difficulty hearing, there are no handicap ramps to ease his steps and he comes from a part of the state where there are more cows than people.
If he was noticed at all it was because the city folks were looking down their noses at him. That was alright. No excuses. He would just work harder than everybody else.
He served in The House of Representatives from 1938 until 1944 when He was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate.
This small town boy was using all he had learned in high school, college and in daily interactions to create himself.
I could keep you here all night listing his accomplishments, instead I will simply tell you that he went on to serve with distinction for 18 years in the Massachusetts Senate rising to the position of Chairman of Senate Ways and Means, arguably one of the three most powerful men in State government.
During that time he wrote and passed the law that created regional schools in Massachusetts and he wrote and passed the law that created the University of Massachusetts.
Think about this for a moment. This one man transformed education in Massachusetts.
Every person who has had the benefit of a good education because they were able to attend a regional school has him to thank,
and nearly 50 years after his death, thousands still benefit from their University of Massachusetts Degree, because he chose to show up and use his leadership and vision to create a state university in Massachusetts.
He was a young man from the small town of Orange. You all know his name, but I would bet most of you did not know his story. He was Senator Ralph C. Mahar.
This high school you are graduating from tonight serves as a monument to Senator Mahar and his dedication to education and to future generations. This school also serves as a monument to you and your potential.
And if you have the opportunity to visit the University of Massachusetts, there is a round building next to the Isenberg School of Management, the Ralph C. Mahar Auditorium. Again, a monument to a great man from a small town who chose to show up.
In 1962, Senator Mahar was the guest speaker at this very podium, talking to the graduates of the high school that had just been named in his honor. He said to them;
“"May you always have faith in yourselves whatever hardships may develop in the years ahead.
May you be individuals in the sense that you make up your minds, that you think straight and that you stand on your own two feet. May you have a sense of social conscience which shows concern for your fellow man.”
He was telling those graduates to create themselves.
When you leave here tonight for the last time, remember the story I have told you. Let nothing hold you back. Be the one willing to show up. Forget about finding yourself, go out there and create yourself…. and with the grace of God and your hard work – I know each of you will create something special.
Thank you to The Ralph C. Mahar Concert Band and Director, Mr. William Choe for providing us with the musical accompaniments for our ceremony today.
Thank you to Mrs. Kilhart, Ms. Smith and Ms. Smith, Ms. McKenna, our director of Facilities Mr. Bates and his crew for creating the appropriate atmosphere for celebration.
Thank you State Representative Donelan for your words of inspiration and for your continued leadership in our school community. Please know that we are saddened by your departure from the State Legislature. But should you engage your new position as Sherriff with the same fervor that you as you have the role of Representative, we know that Franklin County is in hands that are sure to keep us safe.
Mr. Goodhind – Thank you for the last three years of leadership. We wish you the best as you return to your roots as an elementary school principal. I will be calling you in the fall when our MCAS scores are released to thank you for a job well done.
ORA NA AZU NWA – This statement was made famous in 1996 when Hillary Clinton wrote and spoke about it. It is an African Proverb that means – IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.
Moms and Dads, Friends and Families – much went into this moment - the students that are sitting here about to receive their diplomas – It all started about 18 years ago with the work that you did as families in your homes.
Then there was Kindergarten, First, Second Grade and so on. In the Spirit of “It Takes a Village” Thank you Superintendents Burnim, Martin, and Wickman, Principals Hunter, Haggerty, Haigh, Softic, and Phillips and the teachers and staff at Swift River, Petersham Center, Dexter Park, Butterfield, and Fisher Hill Elementary Schools for teaching these young ladies and men how to write, read, add, subtract, and treat others with respect. Mahar could not succeed without your continued efforts and works.
And Thank you Mr. Hemlin, Ms. Curley, Mr. Trill and all of the Mahar faculty and staff. Our work as educators is important. We hope that our graduates continue with success that brought them here today. We hope that they will continue to learn and grow. We hope that they will come back to our community, open businesses, buy homes, and be leaders. Give us reasons to build new and bigger schools, and new libraries to accompany those that we already have.
There are many more who need to hear and read these words of Thanks.
Thank you to the Mahar School Committee for the policy decisions that allowed these students to sit here today.
Thank you to Mr. Kwiatkowski, Ms. Bull, and Mrs. Alrdrich for you leadership in our four towns and for your continued support of our Regional School District.
Thank you to the Seeds of Solidarity for our school gardens and the Mahar After Prom Party Group for giving our seniors a safe place and enjoyable evening after the prom.
Thank you to President Daniel Asquino and Mount Wachusett Community College for opportunities for our students to earn college credits during the school day and for our partnership in the nationally recognized drop out prevention program – The Gateway to College.
There are a number of students graduating today because of the support of the Communities Collaborative and Director Jim Regan. Having personally witnessed Mr. Regan’s work, I can say that it is a travesty that the funding for his organization is no more. Jim, you made a difference and you need to hear me say that. ORA NA AZU NWA my friend. It takes a village.
Thank you to the Orange Historical Society for opening your doors for our student to research the history of this beautiful Town.
Thank you to Wal Mart for allowing our students to raise funds at your store.
Carol Stockwell, Alice White, Anne Grosky, Michael Roche, Nate Bruer, Lori Seymour and Ellen Softic please stand up. I could spend the evening talking about your works alone. Thank you for a combined 222 years of service to our students and their families. Join me in a round of applause for our retirees.
Thank you to Chief Spear, Officer Softic and the Orange Police Department along with The Community Coalition for Teens, Dial SELF, Quabbin Mediation, Cydi Boyle and the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and NELCWIT for your work in providing proactive solutions for safety and wellness for our teens.
There was a time not long ago when our students with specific learning needs had to board a van each morning and go to Gardner so that they could get the quality education that they deserve. Now, these students come to school with their same aged peers right here at Mahar and they take part in the highest quality education that I have seen. Thank you Dr. McCaul and the CAPS Educational Collaborative for making this possible. While these young men and young ladies are recipients of the excellent education that you provide – they are teaching our whole school community life’s most important lessons – those of perseverance and possibility.
This school, this education, and the experiences of these graduates do not happen all by themselves. What we are here to celebrate is the work of the people and organizations that I thanked, and all of those who I missed in this speech.
I hope that more people and organizations will join us in the next academic year. ORA NA AZU NWA – IT TAKES A VILLAGE.
Thank you.
Thank you to Mrs. Kilhart, Ms. Smith and Ms. Smith, Ms. McKenna, our director of Facilities Mr. Bates and his crew for creating the appropriate atmosphere for celebration.
Thank you State Representative Donelan for your words of inspiration and for your continued leadership in our school community. Please know that we are saddened by your departure from the State Legislature. But should you engage your new position as Sherriff with the same fervor that you as you have the role of Representative, we know that Franklin County is in hands that are sure to keep us safe.
Mr. Goodhind – Thank you for the last three years of leadership. We wish you the best as you return to your roots as an elementary school principal. I will be calling you in the fall when our MCAS scores are released to thank you for a job well done.
ORA NA AZU NWA – This statement was made famous in 1996 when Hillary Clinton wrote and spoke about it. It is an African Proverb that means – IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.
Moms and Dads, Friends and Families – much went into this moment - the students that are sitting here about to receive their diplomas – It all started about 18 years ago with the work that you did as families in your homes.
Then there was Kindergarten, First, Second Grade and so on. In the Spirit of “It Takes a Village” Thank you Superintendents Burnim, Martin, and Wickman, Principals Hunter, Haggerty, Haigh, Softic, and Phillips and the teachers and staff at Swift River, Petersham Center, Dexter Park, Butterfield, and Fisher Hill Elementary Schools for teaching these young ladies and men how to write, read, add, subtract, and treat others with respect. Mahar could not succeed without your continued efforts and works.
And Thank you Mr. Hemlin, Ms. Curley, Mr. Trill and all of the Mahar faculty and staff. Our work as educators is important. We hope that our graduates continue with success that brought them here today. We hope that they will continue to learn and grow. We hope that they will come back to our community, open businesses, buy homes, and be leaders. Give us reasons to build new and bigger schools, and new libraries to accompany those that we already have.
There are many more who need to hear and read these words of Thanks.
Thank you to the Mahar School Committee for the policy decisions that allowed these students to sit here today.
Thank you to Mr. Kwiatkowski, Ms. Bull, and Mrs. Alrdrich for you leadership in our four towns and for your continued support of our Regional School District.
Thank you to the Seeds of Solidarity for our school gardens and the Mahar After Prom Party Group for giving our seniors a safe place and enjoyable evening after the prom.
Thank you to President Daniel Asquino and Mount Wachusett Community College for opportunities for our students to earn college credits during the school day and for our partnership in the nationally recognized drop out prevention program – The Gateway to College.
There are a number of students graduating today because of the support of the Communities Collaborative and Director Jim Regan. Having personally witnessed Mr. Regan’s work, I can say that it is a travesty that the funding for his organization is no more. Jim, you made a difference and you need to hear me say that. ORA NA AZU NWA my friend. It takes a village.
Thank you to the Orange Historical Society for opening your doors for our student to research the history of this beautiful Town.
Thank you to Wal Mart for allowing our students to raise funds at your store.
Carol Stockwell, Alice White, Anne Grosky, Michael Roche, Nate Bruer, Lori Seymour and Ellen Softic please stand up. I could spend the evening talking about your works alone. Thank you for a combined 222 years of service to our students and their families. Join me in a round of applause for our retirees.
Thank you to Chief Spear, Officer Softic and the Orange Police Department along with The Community Coalition for Teens, Dial SELF, Quabbin Mediation, Cydi Boyle and the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and NELCWIT for your work in providing proactive solutions for safety and wellness for our teens.
There was a time not long ago when our students with specific learning needs had to board a van each morning and go to Gardner so that they could get the quality education that they deserve. Now, these students come to school with their same aged peers right here at Mahar and they take part in the highest quality education that I have seen. Thank you Dr. McCaul and the CAPS Educational Collaborative for making this possible. While these young men and young ladies are recipients of the excellent education that you provide – they are teaching our whole school community life’s most important lessons – those of perseverance and possibility.
This school, this education, and the experiences of these graduates do not happen all by themselves. What we are here to celebrate is the work of the people and organizations that I thanked, and all of those who I missed in this speech.
I hope that more people and organizations will join us in the next academic year. ORA NA AZU NWA – IT TAKES A VILLAGE.
Thank you.