Hall of Fame Inductees

Roger graduated second in a class of 273 in 1983 and amassed a record of stellar achievements in both academics and sports, earning numerous awards for his remarkable ability. He was on the High Honor Roll for four years, was president of the National Honor Society and the Eastern Massachusetts National Honor Society, was in the initial class of the Tech Prep program, was a member of the Student Advisory Council to the State Board of Education in 1982 and 1983, and was a Vernon Page Award recipient. He earned a William E. Maloney Scholarship from Lexington Rotary, and the Andrew V. Papas Memorial Award for leadership, character and sportsmanship. Roger also was awarded a certificate from Minuteman for Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics and a VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) Gold Medal for Extemporaneous Speaking. While still in high school, Roger worked for MIT’s Lincoln Labs in Lexington. He also taught Adult Education classes in computer science at Minuteman.

His milestones in athletics were equally impressive. Roger earned 11 varsity letters in four sports and was Captain of the football, basketball and track teams. He was a 1981 member of the All-Star football team, a member of the All-State Vocational Basketball squad in 1982 and 1983, and the varsity swim team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1981 and 1982. Roger was on the Football CAC (Commonwealth Athletic Conference) All-Star Team in 1981 and the All-State Vocational Basketball Squad in 1983. Roger received a scholarship to Dartmouth College and was to begin his education there in the fall of 1983, but he was diagnosed with leukemia that summer and passed away on October 28. Sadly, he did not have a chance to show Dartmouth or the world what other great things he could achieve.

Superintendent-Director of Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District, January 1976-August 2004. His tenure at Minuteman was distinguished by innovative leadership and marked by an unparalleled commitment to vocational education, academic integration and a learning styles approach to teaching students. Dr. Fitzgerald played a major role in establishing Minuteman’s stature as one of the best vocational/technical schools in Massachusetts and Minuteman being named as the best vocational school in the Northeast region of the United States. Dr. Fitzgerald has continued his work with presentations and by authoring several books. See his website for more information: http://iw.successinteachinq.info/

Dr. Fitzgerald took charge with a vision that Minuteman was not to be “just another vocational school.” He was determined that this facility would become a true center of learning for students, staff, parents, and the community. Throughout Dr. Fitzgerald’s term, he was relentless in seeking the best new educational philosophies, techniques, and ideas. He got actively involved by mastering processes first, and then assisting staff to learn, adapt, and apply to their own group of students.

Beverly retired in 1997 after 30 years of dedication and commitment to Minuteman. An original member of the Minuteman District Planning Committee, she was an inspirational force in the planning, development, and construction of Minuteman and served as Assistant Superintendent for 20 years. A state and national expert on equality in public education, she was a pioneer in the implementation of Title IX and gender equality. She championed instituting non-traditional technical majors at Minuteman. A tireless advocated of student equal rights, she was at the forefront of the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace with a focus on schools. Mrs. Lydiard passed away in March 1998.

Sandy has served Minuteman for more than thirty years as an administrative assistant, primarily in the Athletic Department. Sandy has been a standout at Minuteman in many areas, be it scheduling, administrative help, organization, and supporting the student athletes. Sandy also coached field hockey and cheerleading. Sandy continues her service to the Minuteman district by assisting and supporting the Minuteman athletic programs.

Laura graduated from Minuteman in 1983 with a major in Health. She was member of the National Honor Society and was in the initial class of the Tech Prep program, even while majoring in health. She was a member of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Health, and a Massachusetts V.I.C.A. Gold Medal winner and Fourth place Honorable Mention winner at the national competition in Health in Louisville Kentucky in 1983.

Laura earned 12 Varsity Letters playing Field Hockey, Basketball, and Softball for Minuteman. She received a Coach’s Award for Sportsmanship, Dedication, and Athleticism her sophomore and junior years, and MVP Award her senior year in Field Hockey. She was Captain of the Field Hockey team her junior year and Co-Captain her senior year. She was also a Commonwealth Conference All-star her senior year. She received a Coach’s Award her junior and senior years and an MVP her senior year in Basketball. She was Co-Captain and a Commonwealth Conference All-Star her senior year. She received a Coach’s Award her junior year and a MVP her senior year in Softball. She was a Commonwealth Conference All-Star her junior and senior years and Captain of the team her senior year. Laura earned the Female Athlete of the Year Award in 1983 and was voted Most Athletic Female of her senior class.

Laura received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1990 from Fitchburg State College. For the past 22 years Laura has been an Oncology Nurse and presently works in the Chemotherapy Infusion Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Nick started the boys’ basketball program at Minuteman, coaching from 1975 to 1984. His record at Minuteman was 142 wins and 43 losses, and the team made the Massachusetts State Tournament eight times. Nick has 479 career wins in his 37 seasons at Minuteman, Melrose, Burlington and Buckingham Browne & Nichols. Throughout his career, Nick has earned many awards: the Leo Miller Award in 2007 from the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) for outstanding contributions to high school basketball in Massachusetts, the Sherm Kinney Award in 2004 from the MIAA for dedication to high school basketball in Massachusetts, the National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award, and the Sons of Italy Award for outstanding service, success and unselfish devotion to the game of basketball. Nick has also earned numerous Coach of the Year Awards from the MBCA – 1981, 1984, 1989, 1996, 2003, and the 1989 Boston Globe Division I Coach of the Year. Nick is a member of MAHPERD and served as the Vice President of Boys’ and Men’s Athletics from 1991-1993. Nick is also a member of the Watertown High School Hall of Fame.

Alice Maclnnis, for a long time at the start of Minuteman’s history, was the embodiment of the female athletics program. She was the school’s first female physical education instructor and was head coach for field hockey, softball, and basketball. She received the NIAAA (the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) Distinguished Service Award in 2005 and the MSSADA (the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association) Distinguished Service Award in 2004-05. She is an active contributor to many state associations. MAHPERD (the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) presented Maclnnis with the Honor Award in 2003, the same year she received the MSSADA Presidents Award. She has served as President of MAHPERD, Vice President of the Massachusetts Vocational Athletic Directors Association, on the Board of Directors for MIAA, and on the MIAA Field Hockey Committee. Alice is an active member of the MIAA Equality Committee and a participant at the MIAA Girls and Women in Sports Day.

The 1986 hockey team finished in third place in the Commonwealth Conference, then went on a run that led them to become MIAA Division 3 1986 State Hockey Champions.

The team members were Keith Lombardi, Mark Frizzell, Curt McKelvie, Paul Turner, Scott Enwright, Jim Donovan, Chris Keene, Mark Downey, Mike Sisson, Brian Martin, Peter Stanley, Mark Andersen, J.B. Flueckinger, Paul Stewart, Steve Burns, Jim Cutler, Scott Arsenault, Sean Hersey, Dean Hillis, Steve Botelho, Mike Wesley, Scott Dennison, Joe Ristino, Mike Squires, and Dave McLean.

The coaches were Assistant Coach John Coughlin, Assistant Coach Ike Bevins and Head Coach Steve Bevins.

Joe Mitchell of Westfield is a 1983 alum who earned High Honor Roll 1979-1983. Mitchell was editor of the school newspaper in 1982. He was captain track senior year-broke school record in the 2-mile as well as the captain soccer team senior year. He served the school as treasurer National Honor Society senior year and as the student representative to the district school committee. Mitchell was voted Most Likely to Succeed 1983 and was the valedictorian of the class of 1983. Mitchell attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and studied electrical engineering and graduated with honors in June 1987. He served in the United States Air Force and graduated top in his class. He served on the first aerial mission into Iraq during Desert Storm and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mitchell is the chairman of the Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport Commission and Westfield’s Veterans’ Services Officer.

David Frizzell of Woburn is a 1982 alum and graduated of Anna Maria College in 1986. Frizzell is the fire chief in Belmont. Frizzell worked his way on to the force in 1986 and has moved up to chief, and he is responsible for 50 firemen and 30,000 citizens.

Dr. Henry Thomas of Stow was the Minuteman class of 1986 valedictorian and valedictorian of the University of Massachusetts - Lowell class of 1990. Thomas has received many accolades including the AEGIS Excellence Award for Outstanding Performance presented to the AEGIS High Range Resolution Team from the US Navy AEGIS program office in 1997. Thomas also received awards from the Department of the Navy, Best Paper at AIAA/BMDO Technology Conference 1999 and 2000, and Lincoln Laboratory Team Excellence Award 2008-2009.

Christine Callahan of Boston is a 2001 alumna, who graduated with high honors and was a three-sport athlete - basketball, soccer, and softball. She was a two-year captain in basketball and one year in soccer. Callahan led the basketball team to their first state and vocational tournaments in school history and is the leading scorer in school history. She graduated from Endicott College with a Master in Business Administration in 2006 and now works at Meditech as a senior marketing support representative.

Brandon Cranton is 2003 alumni with nine varsity letters in football, wrestling and lacrosse. Cranton was named Athlete of the Year in 2003. He was a two-time all star in both football and lacrosse, but wrestling was his forte. He set many school records with wins (89), pins (59), and also a third-place finish in the state tournament which qualifying for the New England’s.

Paul Klemm of Burlington is one of the finest student-athletes to have worn the Mustangs uniform. An outstanding three-sport athlete - basketball, football, baseball. Klemm earned an 11 varsity letters - four in both basketba ll and baseball and three in football. He also was named Athlete of the Year in 1979 and earned a Globe All Scholastic Honorable Mention in 1979.

Jannine Baker of Rockport served Minuteman in many ways: teacher, advisor, and colleague. Baker is best known for advising SkillsUSA for 23 years. Her endless time and effort paid many dividends for students at Minuteman. From organizing, fundraising, coaching, and chaperoning, she set the standard of excellence. The numerous SkillsUSA medals won under her watch are no coincidence. She also garnered the Teacher of the Year Award.

William Blake of Arlington has been with Minuteman for 35 years. He was an English teacher, co-chairman of the English Department from 1978 – 2003 and 2003 - 2008, and has served as director of curriculum, instruction and assessment since 2008. Blake is a driving force behind the Minuteman vision. He has a remarkable ability to engage students of all levels through his wit and intellect. He continually strives to better himself and others.

John Gibbons of Melrose is a 30-year contributor to the Minuteman School District. Gibbons had the task of operating transportation for a school that served 30-plus communities and did his job flawlessly. He also received the Teacher Service of the Year Award for all his efforts with the job of safely ensuring the commute of thousands of students in his years of service.

William Coughlin of Natick was a varsity football coach from 1980 to 2005. His lifetime record has to do with his unstinting dedication to sports and the difference he made in the lives of his players. He earned Hall of Fame and is also the recipient of the rarely awarded and prestigious MIAA Golden Ticket, which allows him to enter any MIAA sanctioned event. Bill also coached golf and track, and was Teacher of the Year in 1988.

Henry Hall of Lexington can be properly characterized as a superman of service to Minuteman. He was a founder of Minuteman, serving as a member and chairman of the 12-town Planning Committee that proposed the school district that was launched in 1971. After the district was formed in 1971, he became Belmont’s representative on the School Committee until 1983. He served as the first chairman of the new Minuteman School Committee for the first four years of the new district, 1971-1975. He is currently a member of the Task Force proposing changes to the Minuteman District Agreement.

Hall was selected as a member of the Governor’s Commission on School District Reorganization and Collaboration from 1971-1973. He was named a full partner in the Ropes and Gray Law Firm in 1973. He retired as a partner on Dec. 31, 1997. He was an active member of the Massachusetts Moderators Association from 1991 to retirement, including service as the organization’s president, chairman of its Technical Assistance Committee, and membership on its Legislative committee. He is a Legacy member of the University of Massachusetts - Amherst Alumni Association (1953 graduate).

There was never any doubt that Steve Bowden would make lifelong use of his considerable artistic aptitude. “As a kid,” he recalled, “I just drew and drew and drew and painted. I was blessed to have good artistic talent. It was always art [that intrigued me].” Today, Steve is Director of IT at the Boston Herald, where he started working in 1987 as a staff illustrator. At Minuteman, where he studied commercial art and graduated in 1980, his goal was to cultivate his skills so he could land a solid job after high school. Steve got a jump-start on his career in his senior year by getting a co-op (cooperative job placement) position at Orchard House Publishers in Concord. By 1986, he had a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the Massachusetts College of Art under his belt as well. Steve, who lived in Lincoln when he attended Minuteman and now resides in South Boston, uses his creativity in his spare time by making elaborate cakes for friends and family. His piece de resistance thus far is a four-foot-tall replica of the Star Wars character R2D2

Ed Cotton’s name will be familiar to viewers of the popular cooking competition cable TV show “Top Chef.” Cotton was the runner-up on Season 7, narrowly missing the chance to claim the $125,000 first prize. “I felt it was very rewarding to make it that far,” he said philosophically. “The amazing thing was to be recognized on TV.” At Minuteman, Ed studied Culinary Arts, graduating in 1996.

A Waltham native now based in New York, Ed attended the venerable Culinary Institute of America before working for some of the most illustrious chefs in the nation. While still at Minuteman, Ed worked under Chef Todd English at Olives in Charlestown honing his knife and pastry-making skills, then helping English open another eatery, Figs in Wellesley. Ed proved himself so able that he was asked to open yet another Olives at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, where he was sous chef. Ed next spent several years working with Chef Barbara Lynch at the restaurant No. 9 Park in Boston’s Beacon Hill as executive sous chef. Beginning in 2003 and continuing for the following five years, Ed worked under Chef Daniel Boulud in New York at db Bistro Moderne and Restaurant Daniel. He appeared on TV for six seasons on the Food Network as Chef Cat Cora’s sous chef on “Iron Chef America.” Ed Cotton’s other positions included being executive chef at Plein Sud at the Smyth Hotel in New York; chef de cuisine at BLT Market at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park under Chef Laurent Tourondel; running David Burke’s Fishtail and David Burke’s Townhouse, both in New York; and currently being executive chef at Sotto 13 in the West Village. As for his Minuteman education, Ed says, “I was always supported by the faculty. I’ve always said great things about the programs at the school.”

A Swampscott resident who served on the Minuteman faculty from March 1990 until his retirement in July 2012, Kevin Kilfoyle was Cluster Chair of Business and Information Technology. In addition to his responsibilities to the students and staff at Minuteman as teacher, senior teacher, cluster chair, mentor of new staff, Minuteman Faculty Association negotiation team, Kevin also served as DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America --- an association of marketing students) advisor as well as on the Massachusetts DECA State Board of Directors for over ten years. Kevin was actively involved in the Massachusetts School Bank Association and was vice-chair of the Massachusetts Retail Institute through the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.

Ask Mr. Kilfoyle what his proudest achievement was at Minuteman and he will tell you that it was seeing his students operate the school store and Cambridge Savings Bank branch at Minuteman with so much professionalism. “People came up to me and said [we had] the best high school store in the state,” he noted. When he retired, his former students, some of whom graduated 20 years earlier, gave him a surprise party at Prince’s House of Pizza in Saugus. “It warmed my heart,” Kilfoyle recalled. “It’s good to know you made a difference.”

Shawn Limerick graduated from Minuteman in 1986. A gifted and accomplished multi-sport athlete, he found competition exhilarating, and earned All-Scholastic recognition from the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald in football. Shawn also participated in wrestling and track.

He attended Worcester State College, majoring in accounting and graduating in 1991. Formerly a resident of Lexington, Shawn now lives in Chelmsford with his wife of 14 years and their children. He is a Certified Financial Planner with Bay Financial Associates, LLC, in Waltham, where he has worked since 1992. Speaking of Minuteman, Shawn says, “I thought it was a great experience.”

Shawn enjoyed being at the school with his peers from a variety of towns and backgrounds; he felt that it helped him to keep an open mind, to be a good listener, and to understand people better, all of which are essential in his career.

Kathy studied computer programming and participated in several sports including varsity field hockey, varsity swimming, varsity basketball, and varsity track and field. She also was statistician of the football team and manager of the wrestling team. Kathy founded a Facebook group for Minuteman “Old Timers” that now has over 800 friends and subscribers who enjoy having impromptu gatherings and sharing information. She has been the Associate Director for the Performing Arts Office at Suffolk University in Boston for the past 11 years. Kathy has been instrumental in the establishment of the Minuteman Hall of Fame.

Words like beloved and legendary certainly describe the late Norman Myerow (1938-2010), master teacher of baked goods and pastry at Minuteman.

According to his wife, Carolyn, Norm’s passionate love of baking began at his family’s bakery in Malden, and for 34 years he kindled that same heartfelt affinity for preparing fine culinary creations in his students. In 1985, Mr. Myerow was awarded Outstanding Vocational Teacher of the Year by the Epicurean Club of Boston.

He was also an active member of the American Culinary Foundation, the Epicurean Club, Les Amis d’Escoffier Society, the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque, The Bread Bakers Guild of America, Massachusetts Teachers Association, and SkillsUSA. Norm was also a Past President of the Massachusetts Chef de Cuisine. Mr. Myerow was a Certified Executive Pastry Chef, Certified Culinary Educator, and a member of the American Academy of Chefs (Norm is in their Hall of Fame). Perhaps one of Norm’s most enduring legacies is the fact that his students earned 16 medals at the rigorous national competitions held annually by SkillsUSA, an organization for vocational students.

“He loved working with kids, loved Minuteman, and loved teaching,”

Mrs. Myerow said.

Jason Crowdle chuckles when he describes the little red wagon loaded with tools that he lugged around his Watertown neighborhood when he took care of people’s lawns as an enterprising 12 year old. Today, the landscaping business owned by Mr. Crowdle that grew out of those humble beginnings, J.A. Crowdle Corporation in Needham, generates $2 million in annual revenue, has a fleet of 12 trucks and over 25 full-time employees and has clients throughout the Route 128 belt. Some of his company’s projects bring in as much as $300,000, he said.

It was evident even when Mr. Crowdle was a youngster that he was focused, mature, industrious, and headed for a thriving career. His time at Minuteman studying horticulture enhanced his skills. By the time Mr. Crowdle was a senior, he had 50 customers and was steadily adding more. He competed in Future Farmers of America at the national level, and after graduating, he was an Advisory Board chairman.

Being chosen for the Hall of Fame reminded Mr. Crowdle “how much I really appreciate Minuteman and the time I had there. Minuteman was a great beginning for me. It laid the framework for me being who I am today.”  

Dana Ham’s career path certainly has been unpredictable, but one constant has been the success he has achieved in every position he has held. He studied welding at Minuteman and worked in that field for five years, then took the civil service exam and was hired by the Lexington Police Department in 1988. Mr. Ham was the first school resource officer in Lexington and he also was on the detective bureau investigating juvenile crime. Mr. Ham subsequently pursued a different interest by becoming Director of Facilities for the Lexington Public Schools for two years. In 2005, he was named Director of Facilities for the Cambridge Public Schools, with responsibilities that included 13 buildings with a total of 1 6 million square feet and nearly 100 employees.

When another superb opportunity beckoned in the fall of 2015, Mr. Ham accepted it. He is now Director of Facilities for Wynn Resorts International, and will be part of a team overseeing the first resort casino in Massachusetts being built in Everett literally “as it’s coming out of the ground.” It is scheduled to encompass over 3 million square feet on over 30 acres. Mr. Ham said that “Wynn will ultimately be cleaning up a contaminated site in Everett as well as a portion of the Mystic River.”

Mr. Ham’s involvement with Minuteman has continued in recent years. He has been associated with the Minuteman School Building Committee, and on a more personal note, his son graduated from Minuteman in 2014. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for Minuteman,” Mr. Ham said. “I took what I learned there and turned it into a lifelong career. It really was my foundation.” 

Some aspects of Richard Glynn’s life have remained largely the same since his days in the classroom and on the ice for Minuteman. He was in the Electrical program back then; today, he is an electrician. He lived in Stow as a student and still resides there. And his passion for ice hockey is as strong as ever.

Mr. Glynn was a truly outstanding ice hockey player for Minuteman, and he amassed the records to prove it. He was a Division III Boston Globe Player of the Year in 1985, a Hockey Night in Boston All-Star, and a Commonwealth Conference MVP. In his senior year, he scored a total of 96 points, and in 1985, he was the leading high school ice hockey scorer in Massachusetts. Mr. Glynn was also the leading scorer in Commonwealth Conference history, with a total of nearly 200 points scored in his entire high school hockey career. He was team captain for Minuteman during his junior and senior year.

Just reminiscing about those bygone glory days is very special to him. “Being on the team was tremendous as far as growing up was concerned,” said Mr. Glynn. “We had a lot of fun. We had great support from the school.” Of his Minuteman years, Mr. Glynn said, “I loved my high school days. I really enjoyed the school. I gave 100 per cent for Minuteman.”

Although A. J.  Loprete isn’t striding the halls of Minuteman High School in Lexington anymore, he has never forgotten the value his years there had in terms of his personal and professional development. “Minuteman is never far from my mind,” Mr. Loprete said. “It’s so much a part of how I got to where I am.” Now the principal at North Reading High School (he is married and the father of two children), this Arlington native who lives in Concord graduated from Minuteman in 1987.

A drafting student at Minuteman, Mr. Loprete worked at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington as a co-op job during his senior year. After graduating from Minuteman, he attended Purdue University in Indiana, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education.

In 1991, Mr. Loprete became a long-term substitute at Minuteman in drafting, taught history, and got into coaching. In fact, coaching meant so much to him that he coached football for 20 years in various schools including Concord-Carlisle High School and Matignon High School in Cambridge.

Mr. Loprete left Minuteman in 2007 to be assistant principal at Littleton High School where he spent three years, one as interim principal. He arrived at Littleton High with an accomplishment-packed resume (including a master’s degree in education from Cambridge College and licensure as a school administrator from the Educational Collaborative, or EDCO, in Waltham) that spanned 15 years in secondary education, a fact that was probably not lost on those who hired him at North Reading High School as assistant principal, a post he held from 2010 to October 2014, when he was named principal. “Minuteman is so much a part of how I got to where I am. It was the people there who made the difference for me.” 

“My participation in sports was everything to me in high school,” says Kristin Herman White, who lived in Lincoln when she attended Minuteman and now resides in Marlborough. “As far as success in sports, that was accomplished through great teammates and outstanding coaches.” Ms. Herman White modestly deflects the credit for her accomplishments on the playing field, yet she was a versatile standout thanks to her own merits in field hockey, soccer, basketball, softball and track and field, earning 12 varsity letters. An unquenchable work ethic helped as well.

“As far as being an exceptional athlete, I never viewed myself that way,” Ms. Herman White explains. “Working hard, always giving 100 per cent - or at least trying to - was more like it. Being strong, dedicated and having the ability to persevere, both physically and mentally, helped in various situations both on and off the field.”

Ms. Herman White was the first woman on the all-male soccer team at Minuteman, another significant milestone that she humbly takes in stride. She denies seeing herself as a pioneer or groundbreaker for other females in athletics, even though she participated in establishing Minuteman’s first girls’ soccer team.

Today, Ms. Herman White is an Early Childhood educator working with children with special needs.

James Amara’s career at Minuteman spanned 1975 to 2007, a period of significant transition, progress and innovation for the school due in large measure to his exceptional leadership and vision. Mr. Amara held a number of positions at Minuteman including science teacher, science department head, Academic Coordinator, and Principal.

Perhaps his most enduring accomplishments were securing a total of $3, 451,000 in state, federal, private and workforce development grants for Minuteman, and playing a key role in establishing the Biotechnology, Environmental, Robotics and Engineering programs.

Mr. Amara credits the generous support of Minuteman’s member communities, teachers, administrators, and local businesses for the success he had in moving career and technical education to the forefront of education in Massachusetts. “More than anything,” he said, “I had strong encouragement from the Minuteman School Committee and Superintendent
Dr. Ronald Fitzgerald.”

“We changed the perception of career and technical education in business, for parents and for students,” Mr. Amara said. “We affected a lot of students in a positive way.” 

Mr. George Curt was a beloved teacher and leader at Minuteman. His support and nurturing of students will never be forgotten. His students in Auto Body were widely recognized because he forged numerous parternships with local businesses. Mr. Curt was also, with his friend Jannine Baker, a stalwart with VICA (now known as SkillsUSA).

Minuteman’s 2004 varsity boys’ basketball team won the Division IV championship, the second state championship in the school’s history. The team also notched an impressive 19-6 regular season record. The team is remembered as a very special group of players whose character and desire to excel were second to none. Earning the championship brought the school together, and this recognition is well earned.

The team members were: Royce Veal, Ceasar Veal, Ian Tosti, Eduardo Rodriquez, Steven Woumnm, Quinten Ferrebee, David Edwards, Jimmy Young, Tawiah Buor, Dave Santos, Derek Smith, Peter Strong, Herchel Blemur, Niles Radl, Andrew Langione, Gregory Swain and Khari Hinson. 

Coaches: Steve Evans, Alan Colarusso and Richard Dean.

Kathleen Domenicucci studied Health Assisting at Minuteman. She has stayed true to her abiding interest in the medical field throughout her career.  

She became an EMT after high school, then opted to be a medical assistant.  After taking courses at Mass. Bay Community College and Middlesex Community College, Ms. Domenicucci worked at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in the late 1990s as a correspondence secretary in the medical records department.  Due to increased computerization, her position was eliminated, but Harvard Vanguard did help to finance Ms. Domenicucci’s return to school. She attended Fisher College from 1997 to 1999, earning an associate’s degree and graduating with honors. She worked next for a doctor in Marlborough for six years as a medical assistant.  

Ms. Domenicucci is currently employed at UMass-Worcester Medical Center in the ICU as a unit secretary and nurse manager’s assistant. “I’m happy,” she declares.  Her Minuteman education played a big part in getting her where she is today.  “I loved my time at Minuteman,” she said. “I had a fabulous experience there.”

Heidi Pitard’s career path has been anything but linear.  She studied horticulture at Minuteman and envisioned herself eventually working in a flower shop.  Ms. Pitard did so briefly and found it was not quite what she anticipated, so she enrolled at the University of New Haven to major in criminal justice.  However, she never embarked upon a career in the correctional system as she intended. 

Another bend in the professional road took place when, after college, Ms. Pitard decided to enter the corporate world.  She also married and started a family, which she found did not blend well with her responsibilities as a wife and mother.  Ms. Pitard became a stay-at-home mom until a temporary job came along that entailed helping at The Apple Valley Flower Shop in Hudson, Mass., at Christmas 2001.

She had come full circle – and this time, she loved it.  In fact, Ms. Pitard was so convinced that she had finally discovered her true niche that years later, in 2013, she bought the shop, renamed it The Purple Violet, and is still contentedly at the helm.

She particularly likes bringing her unique personal touch to the colorful items she designs for her clientele. As for the usefulness of her Minuteman education, Ms. Pitard says it was incredibly helpful.  ”To this day,” she remarked, “I remain a huge advocate of vocational-technical education.”

Ken Lanzilli studied plumbing at Minuteman with the goal of becoming an entrepreneur.  Although his career path diverged somewhat from that long-ago objective, he has had notable professional success by using the training he received in high school as a springboard to many significant achievements. 

A Medford native, Mr. Lanzilli attended Medford High School for ninth- and tenth-grade. At that point, he recalls his father saying, “Ken, let’s get a trade going for you,” so he subsequently transferred to Minuteman for grades eleven and twelve.  “It was quite the culture shock,” Mr. Lanzilli said with a chuckle. ‘There were only four of us from Medford at Minuteman.  It was fun, though. It was a social learning experience. In a month, it was my school.”

After his graduation in 1983, Mr. Lanzilli continued his education in the plumbing field, was employed in Florida for a while, then returned to Boston. He diversified himself, working at his family’s convenience store / gas station, doing plumbing part-time, investing in real estate and getting into the construction business. 

Mr. Lanzilli started filling in for the Medford plumbing inspector and was eventually asked to remain in that position on a permanent basis. Today, he is the building inspector for Medford and holds a number of licenses in the building trades.  A gregarious, outgoing individual, Mr. Lanzilli says he particularly enjoys interacting with the wide variety of people he meets on the job when he is out and about in the community.  

He excelled in sports at Minuteman, specifically football and wrestling. Praising the strength and speed of the 1981-82 football team for which he played running back and defensive back, Mr. Lanzilli remembers that the squad compiled a stellar season record and just missed going to the Super Bowl.  The wrestling team did well, too.  “We surprised a lot of people,” he said proudly. “Our chemistry made it work.”

To this day, Mr. Lanzilli credits the solid beginning he had at Minuteman for his present success. “Minuteman kept me focused.  It got me started on the journey to where I am now.”

Minuteman was very good to me,” says Joyce Cusack.  “You felt like you were part of a family.  I had very good relationships with a lot of people.”  Ms. Cusack, who retired on Sept, 1, 2016 after working at the school for 30 years, was in the business office doing purchasing for 25 years, then was an administrative assistant in various departments including Guidance for the last few years of her time at Minuteman.  

No matter where she was assigned, however, Ms. Cusack was highly valued for her diligence, professionalism, and her regard for the students, whom she still affectionately calls “my kids.”  

Getting to know many of them, especially during her time in Guidance, made leaving Minuteman much more emotionally wrenching for her. “It made leaving harder,” Ms. Cusack said. “I really do care about them.”

And they obviously care about her. The Class of 2015 called her up on stage at their Graduation in appreciation for everything she has done for the school, and the Class of 2016 established an award in her honor.

Steve Fernandes worked at Minuteman from 1982 to 2012, first as a teacher and later as a Department Chair and coach. He was respected for his collaborative leadership style during his tenure as Humanities Chair in charge of several programs including social studies, foreign languages, music, and art.  He established a departmental culture that reflected a philosophy of collegiality and mutual respect. “You don’t work for me,” he told the teachers. “I work for you.”

Working cooperatively with his department, Mr. Fernandes helped to lead initiatives that moved Minuteman forward: redesigning the social studies curriculum, hiring and training new teachers, and maintaining excellent professional relationships with his staff.  He enjoyed his interactions with members of the department, connecting with each teacher on a daily basis. 

Mr. Fernandes enthusiastically embraced his primary role as a history teacher, taking great pride in his daily lessons and his ability to challenge students to think critically. He was recognized as a leader at Minuteman for his successful implementation of Accelerated Learning techniques and History Alive strategies. Most of all, Mr. Fernandes was highly regarded as a beloved and popular teacher who made history “come alive” for his students.

Mr. Fernandes also enjoyed an outstanding coaching career at Minuteman.  He excelled at coaching varsity soccer (15 years) and golf (10 years).  Under Mr. Fernandes’ direction, Minuteman’s soccer team, which had never experienced a winning season, was transformed into a fierce league contender compiling a record of 186 victories. Over the years, the team had 13 winning seasons, including a season in which his team posted a record of 16-1-1, followed by an undefeated season.  Deflecting the credit from himself to the soccer team, he stated proudly, “I had a great group of players over the years.”

The golf team flourished as well, winning over 100 matches and qualifying for the State Tournament in all 10 years that Mr. Fernandes coached the squad. “Minuteman was very good to me.” he said.  “I enjoyed every minute of it.  It was an exciting place, a fun place.  I’d do it all over again.”

“My thirty years at Minuteman (1980-2010) were and are meaningful to me,” said retired English teacher Sebastian Paquette.  “I had the great pleasure of working with some extraordinary people at Minuteman at all levels.  Superintendent-Director Ron Fitzgerald and others were instrumental in developing my teaching ability.  For that, I am most grateful.”

So are the young men and women who were Mr. Paquette’s students.  He was nominated for the Minuteman Hall of Fame by a former student, and even now, six years after his retirement, Mr. Paquette said he still receives dozens of letters, notes and cards from those who learned the fine points of English in his classroom.

A summa cum laude graduate of UMass-Boston who did post-graduate work at Salem State University, Mr. Paquette taught grammar, punctuation and literature to students in grades 10 through 12.  He teamed with fellow teachers working on brain-based teaching and learning, portfolio system design and implementation, AIDS education for students and staff, new teacher mentoring, and evening and summer computer courses for adolescents and adults.  He also taught “English for the Entrepreneur,” a course he developed.  It was given state approval and earned a federal grant.

In thirty years, Mr. Paquette said he never had a confrontation with a student or sent one to the office for misbehaving.  He is deeply grateful for a generation’s worth of indelible memories forged during his teaching career. “I feel I was very lucky,” he remarked.  “It was a happy, wonderful time in my life.”

Ford Spalding has been the Dover representative to the Minuteman School Committee for eight years.  He is also chairman of the Minuteman School Building Committee and the Campaign for Minuteman’s Future.  Both have played an instrumental role in bringing the dream of a new Minuteman school building closer to fruition.

The pride Mr. Spalding takes in the favorable outcome of the recent district-wide referendum on funding the new facility is unmistakable.  “Our overwhelming ‘yes’ vote was a ‘yes’ vote for the new building and a ‘yes’ vote for future Minuteman students. It was the right thing to do.”

Mr. Spalding, who is in the insurance business, has also served on the Dover Board of Selectmen, the Dover Warrant Committee, the Dover-Sherborn Regional School Committee, the Small Business Association of New England and the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education. For someone with such a high level of interest in civic involvement, a position on the Minuteman School Committee was “a perfect fit,” he said.

“I care about education, students and the workforce,” Mr. Spalding added.  “My goal is for Minuteman to become the career and technical education school to go to for the right student who wants a specific education for the right goal.”

With 33 years of service to Minuteman, Janice Smith is the second-longest serving employee at the school after William J. Blake, Jr., who is one of her current supervisors.  Ms. Smith arrived at Minuteman on April 24, 1983 for a four-week stint as Superintendent Ron Fitzgerald’s executive secretary - and she’s been there ever since. 

Ms. Smith served in that capacity for 21 years.  She worked for Superintendent Bill Callahan for three years, then worked for Superintendent Ed Bouquillon for one year.  She is now the administrative assistant to Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Bill Blake; Director of Career and Technical Education, Michelle Roche; and Director of Educational Technology, Annamaria Schrimpf. 

The last three-plus decades have been extremely hectic.  Her responsibilities have included preparing her bosses for School Committee and other meetings, surveying teacher salaries in local school districts, doing newsletters and pitching in behind the scenes to assist with preparations for the Minuteman Hall of Fame induction ceremony.  Whatever the task, Ms. Smith always handled it with laudable efficiency. 

This is Ms. Smith’s final year at Minuteman.  When she reflects upon her time at the school, she thinks of how rewarding her position has been. She said she still keeps in touch with colleagues who retired as far back as 15 or 20 years ago, and witnessing the success of the students has also pleased her immensely. 

“Knowing that the work I do helps the students and the staff, and has helped Minuteman become what it is,” Ms. Smith said, has been tremendously satisfying.   

Former Superintendent Fitzgerald expressed his appreciation of Ms. Smith’s capability in a statement that will be read at the induction.  It says in part: “Her loyalty, communication skills, computer skill, discretion, and steadfast friendship were a powerful contribution to my work and to Minuteman until I retired in August of 2004.  Thank you to a great professional and special lady.”

The 1978-79 Minuteman boys’ varsity basketball team was very special. Just ask their coach, Nick Papas, who started the school’s athletic department in 1975 and was closely associated with it, either as a coach or an observer, until he retired in 2008.

“As a 25-year-old varsity coach in 1976,” Mr. Papas wrote, “I literally ‘grew up’ with these guys. I have seen these young teenagers develop into terrific high school players, progress on to college careers, and now into manhood, with much success in their chosen professions and in the family life they have.  For this, as their ‘old Coach,’ I am most proud!”

The team members were Ed McGonagle, Paul Klemm, John Evans, Don Howard, Steve Bowden, Paul Bagineau, George Holly, Peter Haxton, Mark Palaima, Donovan Reid, Dan Sullivan, Peter Meade, Paul Szidat and Mark Wirzberger.

This talented squad put Minuteman on the athletic map, in Mr. Papas’ words. “We struggled the first year,” he recalled, “then developed a winning tradition.”

A centerpiece of that tradition involved an exchange program Minuteman had with athletes from Tervuren, Belgium. Nearly 80 athletes from that country came to Lexington in April 1979 for a tournament, then 102 Minuteman athletes and cheerleaders journeyed overseas in August 1979 for 17 days for a tournament in Belgium.  Minuteman emerged victorious in both international contests, prompting Massachusetts Governor Edward King to issue a proclamation in the team’s honor.

“This experience was very unique in the 1970s,” Mr. Papas explained. “We still talk about it today. It was outstanding.”

The squad notched a slew of records, garnering team and individual accolades. To this day, the 14 student-athletes on that unforgettable team have a secure place in Mr. Papas’ heart.  In 42 total years of coaching at four different schools including Minuteman, he says they remain his favorite group of all time. “The pride that they still have in wearing the blue and white Minuteman uniform is evident each and every time you speak to them,” he said.

David Jones certainly knows how to cope with emergencies. A member of the Class of 1986 at Minuteman, Mr. Jones has been a 911 dispatcher in his hometown of Belmont for the past 21 years. “You get to deal with people at their best and worst,” he said of his interactions with the public in times of crisis.

This year, on St, Patrick’s Day, Mr. Jones had an unexpected opportunity to pitch in and help someone in person rather than on the phone. He and his wife were driving to a pub in Watertown when they noticed smoke pouring from a house on a street in that community. Without any hesitation, Mr. Jones jumped out of his car and escorted an elderly man out of the burning residence to safety. 

Assisting people isn’t his only passion. Ever since his days at Minuteman, Mr. Jones has had an abiding interest in sports. An outstanding athlete, he played soccer, basketball and baseball for four years, and was captain of the soccer and basketball teams.

Mr. Jones has been involved with the Special Olympics in Belmont since 1990. He is its former program director, and although he has scaled back his involvement due to family obligations, he remains committed to the Special Olympics’ goals, mission and outreach. He takes immense pride in the fact that the program has grown significantly over the years. When Mr. Jones began, there were approximately 150 participants; today, he said, there are twice as many who join in.

Mr. Jones also serves on the Board of Directors of Belmont Youth Baseball. His sons, ages 8 and 12, are active in the organization.

Perhaps a laudatory comment in the essay nominating Mr. Jones for the 2017 Minuteman Hall of Fame sums him up best: He is “a great family man and a great all-around person.”

“I loved the interaction with kids, parents, the staff and town officials,” he said. Reflecting upon his time at Minuteman, Mr. Jones summed it up by saying, “It was challenging, it was good, it was fun.”

Eliza Leahy was an outstanding student at Minuteman. She was a member of the National Honor Society, took honors courses and majored in Environmental Science. Ms. Leahy graduated in 2007 and attended Macalester College in Minnesota. She still lives in that state and is an editor at a children’s book publishing company.

Ms. Leahy truly made her mark in sports at Minuteman, particularly as a competitive runner. According to the essay nominating her for the Hall of Fame, she “is the most accomplished female runner in school history. In 2006, she finished fourth in the state vocational championship; in 2005, sixth; in 2004, as a sophomore, sixth. In each of Ms. Leahy’s three seasons, she was in the top ten in the conference championships and was named an All-Star. She won many regular season meets. Her leadership was instrumental in building a girls’ cross-country team.”

“I was really committed to sports at the time,” Ms. Leahy said, “Especially when I was a junior and senior.” In addition to running, she played basketball for four years at Minuteman, softball during her freshman year, and tennis from sophomore through senior year. In her senior year, Ms. Leahy was a captain on the basketball team which won the state vocational championship.

Ms. Leahy gravitated to running for several reasons. As a student in middle school, she joined the cross-country team. In high school, running was an ideal way for her to “de-stress” and develop close relationships with her teammates.

“Sports was important to me because I was a pretty shy kid,” Ms. Leahy explained, “and that was where I made friends. I felt like I was bonding with people. I still look for that kind of connection and sense of community. It was really important to me in every aspect of Minuteman.”

Randy LeBlanc, owner of LeBlanc Mechanical in Waltham, was chosen for induction into Minuteman’s 2017 Hall of Fame for his professional accomplishments and outstanding community service.

After graduating from Waltham High School, Mr. LeBlanc completed the HVAC Post Graduate program at Minuteman in 1991, with the intention of creating his own heating and air conditioning business. That dream came true when he founded LeBlanc Mechanical in 1997.  

As a student at Minuteman, he won a Gold Medal in the VICA United States Skill Olympics at the state level and placed seventh on the national level. “I loved it,” he said of the intensive preparation for the contest. “I went after school to practice and studied harder than I ever did.  It prepares you for your trade. It just helps you learn your craft.”

Mr. LeBlanc has served as the chair of the HVAC Advisory Committee at Minuteman for over twenty years, as well as being a substitute teacher there.  He strongly supports career tech education and the growth of new programs. Mr. LeBlanc is also president of the Boston chapter of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, an organization that provides training and certification in various aspects of the HVAC industry.

In addition to continuously supporting his alma mater, Mr. LeBlanc participates extensively in the civic life of Waltham, receiving a Lions Club Waltham Hero Award in 2016 for Community Service.  

Mr. LeBlanc is a member of the Waltham City Council, a member of Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Waltham Local First.  He also served on the Waltham Community Preservation Committee (CPC).  Mr. LeBlanc actively participates in the Waltham Fields Community Farm where he and his family maintain a garden. He strongly believes in the protection of the open spaces in the city.  

Mr. LeBlanc is grateful that his training at Minuteman prepared him for a life of service. He personifies this spirit in all aspects of his life and he appreciates the opportunities that he has to sponsor and coach young community members in the Waltham Youth Hockey and Prospect Hill Ski teams.  Mr. LeBlanc also works with the Melanoma Foundation and has participated in two Boston Marathons for this cause, as well as helping to organize a local 5K RAW (Race Around Waltham) to benefit the Foundation. 

When Bob McCarthy graduated from Minuteman High School in 1986, he never imagined that the education he received there in electronics would help him land a position with the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad in 2005.
Mr. McCarthy still holds that position and can reflect with immense satisfaction upon a career focused upon serving the public with distinction and valor as a police officer for 28 years (21 years spent as a Massachusetts State Trooper.)

He attended Fitchburg State College for further training in electronics following his four years at Minuteman, but said he “just couldn’t sit in a building anymore.” Eager for variety, excitement, more contact with people and rigorous challenges of all kinds, Mr. McCarthy shifted his attention to law enforcement. He accepted a summer position with the police department in Dennis, Mass., then spent three years on the New York City police force.

Mr. McCarthy’s wish for a dynamic and stimulating profession has been fulfilled to the hilt since he joined the bomb squad. He attributes his success in getting the job and excelling at it largely to his solid background in electronics from Minuteman. 

Mr. McCarthy has utilized his technical skills at places such as the World Trade Center in New York after the bombing there in 1993; he was at the finish line of the Boston Marathon just ten minutes after two deadly explosions rocked that event in 2013; he was on the scene in a quiet Watertown neighborhood three days later when the two Marathon bombing suspects engaged in a late-night shootout with police and when one of them was found hiding in a resident’s boat in a backyard the next day; and he represented the bomb squad when he testified at Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s trial.

In addition to Mr. McCarthy’s duties here in Massachusetts, he is an assistant instructor with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ Advanced Explosives Disposal Techniques course (AEDT), based in Huntsville, Alabama. “This is where certified bomb techs continue their training in safe disposal of dangerous items,” he said. 

Another facet of Mr. McCarthy’s preparation also takes place in Huntsville, where the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School is located. “It’s where all bomb technicians in the country receive their initial training and get certified as bomb techs,” he explained. “We also have to recertify every three years at the school.”

“What I do puts a smile on my face every day,” said Mr. McCarthy. “I love being outside and meeting people.” As for the role that Minuteman has played in his success, he added, “I’ve been talking about Minuteman my entire life. It made me who I am now.”

“My path has been unique and hard-won,” reflects Jody Bobbitt Zolli of her impressive, 32-year career as a technical writer. She graduated from Minuteman in 1981 after majoring in electronics (she was only the second girl to graduate from the school’s electronics program), and she went on to be the second Minuteman student accepted at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She started out there majoring in electrical engineering but later switched to technical writing, a program she actually created, becoming its first graduate in 1987. “I was a pioneer in technical writing at WPI,” Ms. Zolli notes proudly.

“I love technology,” she explained. “I love to write.” She considers her occupation to be “the perfect marriage between engineering and poetry.” Making sure that users get everything they want is her mission, one that she has fulfilled at renowned companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation, Akamai Technologies, 3Com Corporation and SeaChange International, and currently, at a start-up called VidScale, Inc., in Cambridge.

When Ms. Zolli began work at VidScale, there were 45 employees - and she was the only female doing technical work. In fact, she knows first-hand what it can be like for a woman to compete successfully - and be taken seriously - in a technical world that is populated largely by men. That reality has never hindered her from excelling or meeting workplace challenges based on gender head-on. 

Now, after so many years in her field, Ms. Zolli generously shares her knowledge by mentoring women who want to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. She offers these pointers to them: find a mentor or advocate who supports your professional growth, network with women and don’t be afraid of hard work.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Ms. Zolli said. “Minuteman taught me stick-to-itiveness. You just keep at it.”

When asked about his stellar, decades-long career at Minuteman, Dick Lee says modestly, “I just did my job.” Yet his positive and indelible effect upon the students he served is beyond measure, earning him a well-deserved place in Minuteman’s Hall of Fame.

Mr. Lee began working at Minuteman in the 1975-76 school year, when he was hired to run a program for significantly disabled students that was self-contained academically but integrated with the technical programs. He remained in that capacity for 20 years, supervising a small staff associated with this effort. Much of his time was devoted to admissions work.

From 1996 until 2006, Mr. Lee was Minuteman’s Director of Special Education. He saw his role as helping the students he served to find a niche through experiential learning, which they often did, thanks to staff members’ expert guidance and unflagging commitment. Many of these young people, as Mr. Lee says today, graduated from Minuteman after four successful years and moved on to technical colleges. They subsequently became outstanding employees in a variety of organizations.

He was also chairman of a state organization for vocational special education directors for several years.

Looking back at his time at Minuteman, Mr. Lee warmly praised colleagues for their high level of professionalism and dedication. He particularly lauded the school’s vocational teachers. “I was very respectful of them,” he mentioned. “There was an art to what they did.”

Mr. Lee retired from Minuteman in 2006. The achievement he is still most proud of involved “seeing students get traction on their future and develop confidence. They came to realize that they were much more capable than they had initially believed.”  To this day, he retains “great faith in the notion of vocational education - that it remains an underrated vehicle for achievement in today’s economy and culture.”

Words like caring, dedicated and wise describe William Callahan as a person and as a former Minuteman administrator. Mr. Callahan had a long, distinguished career at the school beginning in 1976, just two years after Minuteman opened its doors to students for the first time.

He was Dean of Students from 1976 to 1979, Principal from 1979 to 2003, and Superintendent from 2003 until his retirement in 2006.

Minuteman was a very different place back in the late 1970s, Mr. Callahan recalled. The student population of approximately 1200 was significantly larger than it is today. There were 12 communities in the Minuteman district; in 1981, four more towns were added. The students who attended Minuteman came from a staggering total of 48 district and non-district locations.

As Minuteman continued to evolve in myriad ways over the years, Mr. Callahan said, its students, teachers and parents “all grew together.” He presided over that period of vigorous growth and rapid change with a steady hand. He believed that he was at the helm to serve as a guide who helped others make the right decisions themselves. He was adept at relating well to all those around him.

“I always considered my role was to lead people to where they need to be to do what they have to do,” he explained. Rather than insert himself into every situation that arose, Mr. Callahan preferred to stand back a little, listen, then react, he said. “Education is a people profession. I did a lot of listening.”

He also made it a priority to acquaint himself with the students. Mr. Callahan knew each one’s name and something about his or her background. He encouraged the teachers to be similarly well-informed.

For DeAnne Dupont of Arlington, it’s all about doing everything she can to give back to her fellow citizens and to Minuteman High School. Her sons, Geoffrey Landskov and Erik Landskov, graduated from Minuteman in 2008 and 2011, respectively.

She has been an important guiding force for the Minuteman Parent Association (MPA) as its past co-president and board member.  Ms. Dupont expressed great pride in the MPA’s Grant-a-Wish program, which funds requests from Minuteman faculty and staff related to student enrichment. Some of those requests included purchasing new cordless tools for the Plumbing program and funding for students to attend a performance of “Romeo and Juliet.”

Ms. Dupont pointed out that dues for parents to become members of the MPA were eliminated during her time of service to the group, so there were no financial obstacles to people joining. Parents could pay something if they wanted to, or not pay anything at all.

Yet another major step forward was the MPA’s acquisition of non-profit status during Ms. Dupont’s tenure, thus making it possible for donations to be accepted.

Although Ms. Dupont emphasized that the MPA’s milestones were achieved as the result of a group effort and not solely due to her industriousness, her leadership, ingenuity and commitment have contributed enormously to the MPA’s success.

She also served on Minuteman’s School Council, a state-mandated group tasked with advancing the school’s educational goals. Its members typically include students, faculty
and parents.

Ms. Dupont is one of the founders of Food Link Inc., a food rescue organization that partners with local grocery stores, farms and bakeries to obtain surplus nutritious food such as produce, meat, dairy, bread and non-perishables and distribute it to those in need in ten communities including Arlington, Lexington, Medford and Malden. Promoting healthy eating is Food Link’s primary mission.

Ms. Dupont said that the group collects over 1,000 pounds of food a day, seven days a week, thanks to its dedicated volunteers. She added that Food Link originated as a community service project of the MPA and gradually grew in scope. Today, for example, Food Link also offers job training for young adults who are coping with mental illness.

Ms. Dupont, who is an Arlington Town Meeting member, was chosen as the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s first Citizen of the Year in 2016 in recognition of her extensive civic involvement. 

The members of the 2002 girls’ basketball team from Minuteman High School were true champions, both on and off the court. Cohesive and unselfish, they always demonstrated heart, character, maturity, diligence, good sportsmanship, an unflagging work ethic and passion for the game.  

Their coach, John Fusco, remembers them with pride and affection to this day.  Before every match-up, he would shout “Play!” and the girls would respond in unison by yelling, “Hard, smart, together!”

They lived by those words, amassing trophies and records which proved their excellence. The team won the Commonwealth Athletic Conference small school division with a 10-0 record, landed the State Vocational Championship and won the first MIAA game for a girls’ team in Minuteman history. Coach Fusco credits them with showing people that athletes from a vocational high school can be equally successful as their counterparts from traditional high schools. In fact, he said that he considers them to be one of the most successful teams ever from Minuteman. In his opinion, they won with respect and if they lost, they did it with class.

“This group, they were unbelievable,” Coach Fusco said. “That was the way they were from day one. They willed themselves to be the best they could be. They were a wonderful breath of fresh air to have as a coach.”

The team was also coached by Chris Danielson. The team members were Sharon Phelan, Kathleen Gildea, Brittany Gamber, Trista Manchuso, Sophia Mothersil, Kathy Montrevil, Hannah Leahy, Paris Sanders, Amie Beggan, Jen Kelly, Jaclyn White and Lisa Miller.

Being a graphic arts specialist is vastly different from being a diagnostic medical sonographer (a trained professional who performs ultrasound tests), but Rebecca Richards Cox made that transition from what she majored in during her years at Minuteman to her present career - bolstered, she says, by the valuable confidence she acquired in high school.

Ms. Richards Cox came to Minuteman from Acton-Boxborough High School. There, she recalls she “felt like a number, not a person.” In contrast, she found the atmosphere at Minuteman entirely welcoming and flexible enough to allow her individuality to emerge. Within six months, Ms. Richards Cox says she was happily and wholly integrated into the Minuteman community.

“Everyone was so incredibly supportive,” she notes. Before long, Ms. Richards Cox began to flourish. Although she says she was not strong academically, success in her technical program “gave me that little push” to start excelling in her academic classes. Not only did she thrive in the classroom, but on the playing fields as well. Ms. Richards Cox participated in field hockey, basketball and softball throughout her four years at Minuteman, becoming captain of all three sports in her senior year. She was also active in VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, now known as SkillsUSA).

After graduating from Minuteman in 1981, Ms. Richards Cox attended Middlesex Community College, earning an associate’s degree in science with a focus on ultrasound technology. Today, she is employed by a hospital and a mobile company and she still remembers Minuteman with immense gratitude and appreciation.

“I am in awe of Minuteman,” Ms. Richards Cox says. “It has done so much for me. It was the best choice I ever made.”

 It seemed like the fulfillment of Frank Domenichella’s unwritten destiny when he chose to attend Minuteman. Growing up, he lived on Mill Street in Lincoln, essentially in the shadow of the school’s Lexington campus. Mr. Domenichella’s grandparents had owned a restaurant in Lincoln, so it fit with his family background to major in Culinary Arts at Minuteman and pursue medical training years later since his mother was a nurse. Mr. Domenichella would ultimately have a remarkable, globe-trotting career that would bring him to exotic far-flung locations throughout the world and across the United States.

Just three weeks after graduating from Minuteman in 1978, Mr. Domenichella entered the U.S. Air Force. He underwent basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, followed by technical training at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was then assigned to England AFB in Alexandria, Louisiana. After enduring the heat and humidity of the deep South, he longed to get closer to New England. The closest he could get to Massachusetts was Loring AFB in Limestone, Maine. A well-versed medical technician by then, Mr. Domenichella dreamed of earning even more credentials. He was sent back to Sheppard AFB for eight weeks to train to become an Independent Duty Medical Technician. After training he was then assigned to a unit in what was then West Germany.  After living and working there for three years, he rotated back to the U.S., getting assigned to Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland AFB.

After spending seven and a half years on active duty, the future held many unexpected twists and turns for Mr. Domenichella career-wise. He was an EMT for Armstrong Ambulance in Arlington for a couple of years, and he received an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Middlesex Community College. He was a security guard at what would become a Superfund site in W. Concord. He then spent four years working for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections as a corrections officer at MCI Concord. All the while he was also in the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Wishing a change of pace, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, and underwent training to become an aircraft load master for the C5 Galaxy cargo plane. This was a position he held for the next 14 years until his retirement from the Air Force Reserve. He retired as a Master Sergeant with a total of 27 years with the Air Force and 4,500 hours of flying time. He has been a Security Guard and a Court Officer for the Massachusetts Trial Court since that time.

Mr. Domenichella’s professions have taken him to nearly all 50 states and just about every continent except Antarctica. Everywhere that his travels have brought him, he has used something of inestimable value that he learned back home - the impressive work ethic he was taught years before at Minuteman.

James Hayes graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1972 with a degree in physical education/health and history. Three years later, he was hired at Minuteman to teach physical education and oversee the swimming pool by teaching swimming and supervising the staff in that department. He also coached football and basketball.

But it was in the capacity of Dean of Students that Mr. Hayes really left his mark during his eventful and productive 31-year career at Minuteman. The position, which entails enforcing discipline, requires many innate traits that can’t be taught – wisdom, patience, restraint and perspective among them. As the Minuteman community soon found out, Mr. Hayes had all of that and much more, earning him the well-deserved respect of the teachers, parents and students he dealt with throughout his long, distinguished tenure.

No one had held this uniquely challenging post for more than three years prior to Mr. Hayes. Demanding though it was, however, he savored it because he knew he was contributing tremendously to the character development of young people.  As he mentioned, his longevity in the job “helped put things on an even keel” by ensuring that disciplinary rules and regulations were consistently adhered to and that an equal standard of discipline was applied in all classrooms.

Even more importantly, Mr. Hayes insightfully sought to “get students on track” by treating them like adults via sitting them down and calmly talking matters through so they emerged all the better. His approach emphasized the value of thoughtful reasoning, not merely punishment. “This isn’t a discipline issue,” he would often tell himself, “this is a people problem.” He never raised his voice except in cases where safety was an issue. Sometimes, Mr. Hayes recalls, students would gratefully thank him for being so compassionate. To him, they were all good kids who sometimes made bad decisions and needed to be firmly but gently set straight.

More than anything, Mr. Hayes loved seeing students “blossom and find their passion” at Minuteman. “I really enjoyed what I was doing,” he says – and it always showed.

 With his induction into the 2018 Minuteman Hall of Fame, Scott Lambrinos will truly be following a family tradition. His brother and sister both graduated from Minuteman. Their mother, Sandy, worked there for twenty years as an administrative assistant, mainly in the Athletic Department. She also coached field hockey and softball. Her steadfast dedication to the school and its students was recognized in 2012, when she was among the inaugural group of inductees into the Minuteman Hall of Fame.

Mr. Lambrinos majored in Culinary Arts at Minuteman. His career goal at that time was to become a chef or restaurant manager. He worked in the food service industry for approximately ten years, then Mr. Lambrinos changed professions. For the past nine years, he has been a senior collections representative for HarborOne Bank.

Mr. Lambrinos was a standout as a multi-sport athlete at Minuteman. He played basketball for four years 

and attained the level of captain, did cross-country for four years to stay in shape for basketball, and participated in baseball, also for four years. When he says, “I was heavily into sports and was really good at it,” that comment is a modest understatement.

Today, Mr. Lambrinos is married, has two children, and often reflects gratefully on his Minuteman experience.” I met a lot of good people there,” he says. “All the friends I made, they stay with you for most of your life.”

Geraldine McGrann has fulfilled many key roles in her personal and professional life with distinction, including registered nurse, teacher and mother. But there is an equally important and influential position she unofficially held that significantly impacted the future of her Minuteman students – role model.

Reflecting on her 25-year career at the school as a Health Assisting teacher from 1978 to 2003, Ms. McGrann mentioned that “it’s the little things” that students retain from their education which ultimately shape their lives, intangible yet meaningful things like the values and work ethic a favorite teacher exemplifies. Those “hidden influences,” as Ms. McGrann termed them, can be powerful, enduring and unforgettable, as they were in her case.

She had earned a BSN from Boston College and an M.Ed in health science from Bridgewater State College, plus she had 15 years’ experience in medical/surgical nursing. Ms. McGrann was thus very well-prepared to teach her students at Minuteman the correct techniques for doing CPR and administering first aid, as well as showing them how to do a host of other procedures they would be expected to perform on patients, along with getting them ready to become certified nursing assistants. 

It’s not an easy career path for high school students, who must quickly adapt to pressure and stress, learn how to deal calmly and efficiently with people who aren’t at their best due to illness, and behave with maturity and sound judgement in demanding, fast-paced healthcare environments such as the Lahey Clinic and Emerson Hospital, where Minuteman’s Health Assisting students do some of their training. Guiding them through all the myriad ups and downs was Ms. Mc Grann, always there as a steadying and encouraging presence. 

She went on to teach in the Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide program at Cape Cod Community College for 11 years after her retirement from Minuteman. To this day, Ms. McGrann looks back with pride on her students at Minuteman, reveling in the success they have had as nurses, EMTs and x-ray technicians, just to cite a few examples of how far their education has taken them in the healthcare field.

Mark Palaima is a self-described Silicon Valley veteran technologist, inventor, entrepreneur and investor who has been practicing and honing his skills in the Valley for the past 27 years. He is a truly an impassioned visionary with a keen eye for the future and a sincere desire to help others ascend in industry and business the way he has. 

You could also say that he is constantly questing. “I don’t sit still,” he acknowledges. Not only does Mr. Palaima think outside the box, but he often reimagines the box and even tosses it aside completely when necessary. Leadership, guts, innovativeness and perseverance are the hallmarks of his approach.

His initial exposure to technology started early, as a pre-teen, when he spent time in his father’s garage taking apart and reassembling all types of machinery. It would seem logical that Mr. Palaima would attend a technical high school, but it was actually pure luck, coupled with a last-minute decision, that landed him at Minuteman rather than his local high school in Arlington.

It was a fortunate choice. Mr. Palaima excelled in the classroom at Minuteman and was also clearly talented at sports. He started at Minuteman majoring in Hydraulics/Pneumatics and ultimately graduated from the Electronics program. He ranked high in the Class of 1980 and was in the National Honor Society. Voted most athletic among the members of his graduating class, he lettered in basketball and tennis, was the school’s first 1000-point scorer and won the tennis league championship as a sophomore. Mr. Palaima was also a Genrad Foundation scholarship recipient.

Mr. Palaima continued his hands-on technology studies at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, graduating with a BSCS and achieving a 4.0 GPA.  During the next five years, he worked in the Boston area for Wentworth and for Wang Labs.  It was at Wang that Mr. Palaima met his most important career mentor and further solidified his appreciation for such roles. He relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1991, joining former Wang associates at Sybase Inc., thus beginning his Silicon Valley career.

Mr. Palaima has been a significant influence at both the small and large companies he has worked for in the Bay Area. At eBay, for example, he held the position of Chief Architect and was named an eBay Fellow (the highest individual technical award/position in the company).

Mr. Palaima subsequently launched multiple companies including Flouwen Inc., Alert1st, Inkiru, and Ismintis Systems.  He also held key engineering roles at Objectivity and Avegant.  Across these start-ups, he held various roles such as Founder, Distinguished Software/Systems Engineer and VP of Engineering. He was a founding member and Chief Scientist at Inkiru, which was acquired by Walmart.

Throughout his remarkable career, Mr. Palaima has not forgotten the key role Minuteman played in his professional success. “The Minuteman faculty and staff were amazing and very supportive people,” he notes.  “I never heard the words ‘You can’t do this’ once in four years!  I also loved playing hoop and getting coached by Nick Papas, Jim Hayes and Paul Wysocki. Graduating with a lot of confidence, with new skills and friends, was the best.”

He added, “You will always be surprised about what you like and what you can accomplish if you just get out there, do the work and are surrounded by supportive people.  Minuteman’s technical programs were like mini functioning businesses that served the public. That is a powerful concept to be exposed to early in your life and I never forgot it.”      

By just about any standard of measurement, William V. Powers has achieved extraordinary professional success. A 1985 Minuteman graduate and Arlington native who majored in Culinary Arts, he is executive vice president of Swoop, a digital ad company serving the pharma and automotive industries. In addition, Mr. Powers is a Founder of Cambridge Mobile Telematics, which currently operates in over 20 countries around the globe. 

Besides business, another important motif in Mr. Powers’ life has been sports. He attended Cape Cod Community College from 1985-87, where he played basketball and led the New England junior college Division 3 conference in scoring his sophomore year. “Basketball was always important in my life,” he said. “It created a fantastic path for me.” That path led Powers to work for and become friends with Boston Celtics superstar Dave Cowens, eventually start his own basketball school in Wellesley, and coach basketball at Melrose High School for the legendary Nick Papas, who was his high school coach at Minuteman along with Jim Hayes.

Mr. Powers then attended Seton Hall University in New Jersey for a short time in 1988. He eventually finished his studies at Boston University in 1991. By then he was involved in a basketball and sports and entertainment business. By 1997, he worked for Westwood One and American Radio, then, two years later, Mr. Powers was recruited to grow a venture capital start-up, Traffic.com.  As senior vice president of sales, Powers used his expertise to help bring in $100 million in revenue, expand the company to 600 employees, and take it public in 2006 before selling it a year later.

Mr. Powers and his wife, Suzanne, live on Cape Cod with their 16-year-old son Lorenzo, whom Mr. Powers affectionately calls “the light of his life.” As he puts it, “We don’t take anything for granted. We just keep it simple.”

Perhaps that unassuming outlook stems, at least in part, from the events of Nov. 22, 2000, when Mr. and Mrs. Powers lost their son, Luke, in childbirth because of what Mr. Powers described as medical errors made at a Boston teaching hospital.  Motivated by that tragedy, he reached out to educate others - including medical professionals at teaching hospitals, conferences, and state hospital associations around the US - in hopes of preventing similar tragic situations in the future. The couple also created the Luke Vincent Powers Foundation (www.lukeslove.org), which assists children in need.

To this day, Mr. Powers appreciates all those at Minuteman and elsewhere who guided him along the way. He still gratefully harkens back to his time in high school and the remarkable teachers, administrators and coaches he knew there. He says, “[My education] gave me the ability to grow, learn to problem-solve, build self-esteem, be organized, get along with people and meet wonderful role models and leaders like Jim Hayes and Nick Papas.”

Mr. Powers’ philosophy in life and in business is succinct: “Be impeccable with your word and work hard. That’s all that matters.”

“The 2006-2007 girls’ basketball team was extraordinary. They had it all, according to their coach, John Skogstrom – talent, drive, know-how, fierce spirit and solid belief in themselves as individuals and as a cohesive unit. “The intangibles were off the charts with this team,” he recalls. “There was an exceptional feeling of camaraderie. We were one team, not 12 or 13 different players.”

The girls were outstanding on the court, wowing everyone with their ability from the get-go. “Early in the season,” said Mr. Skogstrom, “we found out how good we could be.”  The games they played against the other teams in the Commonwealth League Lower Conference turned out to be decisive wins by margins of at least 25 points, he said.

The girls were clearly primed for more. In their final matchup of the regular season, the team notched a major win over Lynn Tech of the Commonwealth League’s Upper Conference by a score of 52-50. “We actually surprised ourselves continuously, as we bested better and better opponents along the way, culminating with Lynn Tech,” said Mr. Skogstrom. Then it was on to the State Vocational Small Schools Championship. The Minuteman girls claimed victory there as well, by a score of 69-38. 

“They practiced hard, played hard, and worked as a team,” said Mr. Skogstrom, “It really was a special group.”

Team Members: Shaina Digiacomo, Eliza Leahy, Sam Sexer, Jes Williams, Hailey Callahan, Lauren Buckley, Ashley Val, Alice Ofria, Abby Dornbusch, Keneisha Debnam, Swana Debnam, Melinda Daniels and Cynara Rustin.

Kristin Lopez Cooper has owned Alish and Aston Salon and Spa of Waltham since 2007 and recently opened a second location in Billerica. Kristin comes from a large family of vocational-technical school graduates, and as a teenager worked at a salon owned by Minuteman alumni. She now employs six Minuteman graduates at her salon and travels the country as an instructor for other cosmetologists for L’Oreal Professional. She loves mentoring and teaching young professionals.

James Phelan is the Vice President of Finance and Operations at Verdox, a company in Woburn that develops technology to reduce carbon emissions. James is an attorney and professional engineer with experience in finance, law, and engineering at start-up corporations. He previously oversaw financial planning and analysis for Cabot Corporation and engineered environmental controls for ExxonMobil. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.

Erin Meister is an award-winning scientific researcher and is currently a senior associate scientist for cellular process development at Bluebird Bio in Cambridge, which focuses on genetic diseases. Erin was the Class of 2005 Valedictorian, studied medical laboratory science at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and holds numerous medical research licenses and certifications.

Hannah Leahy pivoted from an outstanding high school athlete to become a successful sports medicine osteopath and educator. She is currently an attending physician of musculoskeletal and sports medicine for WellSpan Medical Group in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Hannah graduated cum laude from the College of Wooster with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. She received a master’s of public health degree from the University of New England Graduate School of Public Health. Hannah has held numerous medical internships, residencies, and fellowships. She is an author of more than 20 published scholarly articles and abstracts.

Andy Rodenhiser is president and CEO of Rodenhiser Home Services, a multi-million dollar residential plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning company. Rodenhiser has won numerous industry, charitable, and civic awards. He has served on several municipal committees in the town of Medway. He is particularly interested in helping veterans transition from military to civilian life, and often provides them jobs during this process. Rodenhiser is a vocal proponent of expanding opportunities for career technical education.

Tyler Faulkner was a member of the Minuteman Cross Country Team from 2006-2010. He is a two-time state vocational champion, two-time Commonwealth Athletic Conference champion; and won the prestigious Catholic Memorial Invitational, beating nearly 200 competitors from across the northeastern U.S. He is known as one of the most accomplished runners in Minuteman’s school history. He was high-performing academically and well liked by his teachers and peers.

Bruce Flood was posthumously nominated after working as an automotive instructor at Minuteman for 19 years. He was named Teacher of the Year in 2004, a regular chaperone and judge at SkillsUSA competitions, and received several awards for being a master automotive technician. Bruce was well known for staying extra hours to help students with automotive projects or anything they needed. He would do whatever it took to help students struggling to understand automotive skills and would routinely provide a listening ear to students and provide them life advice. He would regularly cook food for colleagues and as a friend to many.  

The 1984 Girls’ Field Hockey Team was the first female athletic team at Minuteman to qualify for a state tournament in any sport. It was the first year with two new coaches, Dale Bevins and the late Sandy Lambrinos. They were new to the sport and found mentors, including a member of Team USA Field Hockey, to guide them on their journey as first-time coaches.

Players: Kathy (Harrington) Carey, Lu (Bent) Waldsmith, Annette (Proulx) Ochab, Edie (Foster) Waldsmith, Beth (Herman) Duffey, Karen Bloomer, Kathy (Barnes) Medungo, Jennifer (Carroll) Coffin, Tricia (Swan) Pini, Nancy (Ryan) Kelemen,
Sheri Apprille, Laina (Lambrinos) Matthews, Lisa (Miller) Oliver, Michelle (Cronin) DeSalvo, Jennifer Gladski, Sue McLure, Kathy Maloney, Sheryl Pike
Coaches: Sandy Lambrinos & Dale Bevins

AC’s pathway to the Hall of Fame is a testament to their unwavering dedication, resilience, and a profound love for sports. Fond memories flow as they recount playing against formidable Shawsheen. Another indelible memory is the victory at the State Vocational Championship–a culmination of years of hard work and determination where camaraderie and teamwork were the cornerstone of their success.

High school sports are not just about triumphs; they are about discipline and sacrifice. Balancing academics and athletics required unwavering commitment. Summers and breaks were spent on the field, but it was all well worth it. This perseverance illuminated AC’s path to success.

AC’s Minuteman sports career was adorned with remarkable achievements. Not only were they State Vocational champions for basketball, but they also achieved the extraordinary feat of becoming Conference Champions in basketball and softball in multiple seasons.

Despite playing only three seasons, AC joined the prestigious 1000-point club. They were the Conference MVP and an All-Star, further distinguishing themselves as captains in both basketball and softball. These recognitions reinforced their belief in themselves and the power of working hard to pursue their dreams.

The leadership roles of captains taught AC valuable life lessons. They learned about commitment, hard work, and dedication. These attributes equipped them with communication skills, empathy, and the ability to navigate difficult conversations.

The challenge of balancing academics and athletics was a formidable one, but AC conquered it with grace and determination. These trials forged them into a stronger, more resilient individual. In sports, they found acceptance and a space where they could be themselves. 

The lessons learned on the court and field continue to shape AC’s life. The art of time management, setting goals, and self-belief are the legacy of their high school career and are embedded in their character. 

AC credits Coach John Skogstrom with being a tremendous influence. He was one of the first adults who genuinely believed in them, who made them feel like they could both be true to themselves and successful. Coach Skogstrom’s example was a deciding factor in AC’s decision to pursue their current roles of teacher and coach. AC also credits the support of former teammate Alice Ofria who continues to be a close friend and an incredible role model for AC’s daughter, Noa. 

AC’s advice to aspiring high school athletes is a straightforward recipe for success: “work hard, be intentional, but never forget to have fun, and don’t take yourself too seriously.” 

Mark Downey is an exceptional individual who has not only excelled in his career but also remained deeply committed to Minuteman, where his journey towards excellence began. As the Director of System Packaging Engineering at Analog Devices, with over $12 billion in revenue and approximately 25 thousand employees worldwide, his achievements and contributions are truly commendable. Among his many accomplishments, Mark co-developed groundbreaking technology that advanced Digital X-ray and CT imaging platforms, generating over $250 million in revenue. He delivered the keynote address at the International Symposium of Microelectronics in 2019, holds multiple patents, and has been published in various technical journals and magazines.

After Minuteman, Mark completed an Electrical Engineering degree at UMass Lowell. His career as a micro-electronic hardware technologist in the semiconductor industry took shape during his college years, where he worked part-time jobs and gained valuable experience. During his junior year at UMass Lowell, Mark displayed his determination and creativity by approaching a local company with a unique proposal. He convinced them to create a volunteer position for him, allowing him to support engineering projects while building his problem-solving skills. This innovative approach not only benefited the company but also paved the way for him to secure a full-time paid position upon graduation, a remarkable achievement in a challenging job market.

Most of Mark’s experience and training relevant to his current profession were acquired on the job. He has taken additional courses over the years, but most of his expertise was developed through hands-on experience. He has worked for prestigious companies in the industry, positioning himself to tackle complex problems and continuously learns from both successes and failures.

Mark has faced numerous professional challenges throughout his 30-year career, with staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry being one of the most significant. To address this, he emphasizes the importance of regular reflection, honesty with oneself, and adapting to evolving professional goals. Change can be challenging, but it is often necessary to maintain relevance in a dynamic field.

While at Minuteman, Mark was fortunate to have mentors who played a significant role in his success. Ron Spzila, the lead Electronics shop department head, helped him to see the connection between academic studies and becoming a proficient engineer. Steve Fernandes, his Varsity Soccer coach, demonstrated successful leadership, turning a failing soccer program into one of the greatest teams in Minuteman’s history in just a few years.

It was at Minuteman where he discovered his passion for engineering, transforming his view of education from a chore into an inspired pursuit of essential skills that would enable him to become the best engineer he could be. This new mindset provided a solid foundation for his college studies and future career.

Looking back, Mark is immensely grateful for the exceptional teachers and the environment at Minuteman. His advice to aspiring individuals considering a similar path is to set goals, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, learn from failures, seek mentors, and remain open to help from others.

Executive Chef 

Jeff Fredrickson’s story is a testament to dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Jeff’s transition from Minuteman graduate to Executive Chef began with the pivotal decision to further his education at The Culinary Institute of America. It was at CIA that the spark of culinary artistry ignited, fueled by an unwavering commitment to never be a mere novice in any kitchen. Jeff’s motivation was simple: master the culinary craft with finesse and distinction.

In the pursuit of culinary perfection, Jeff embarked on an apprenticeship journey through Boston’s finest dining establishments, including the Pillar House, Café Budapest, and Fantasia. The bustling kitchens of these restaurants provided the perfect backdrop for honing skills, understanding the art of food, and mastering the art of multitasking during the culinary chaos.

Jeff’s journey was also marked by mentors who played a significant role in shaping his culinary prowess. Chef Katsuo Sugiura and Chef Jean Pierre Petit instilled in him the essence of style and artistry. Their teachings left an indelible mark on his culinary philosophy. Additionally, early mentors like Chef Peter Crafts and Chef John Fitzpatrick at Minuteman, as well as Chef Arthur D’Agostino of Fantasia, exhibited patience and compassion towards a young and aspiring chef, ultimately molding him into the consummate culinary professional he would become.

While academic and professional challenges may not have been significant roadblocks, personal struggles were a part of Jeff’s story. Cooking, however, provided solace and purpose, offering a laser focus that propelled him forward.

As the years passed, a series of remarkable achievements and milestones defined Jeff’s career. At the tender age of 29, he took charge of the largest casino foodservice in the country, the Trump Taj Mahal, orchestrating dinner service with an army of 500 cooks and chefs. His tenure as Food and Beverage Director at Florida’s second-largest resort for nearly three decades demonstrated his exceptional leadership. He also ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with the successful launch of the Rumfish Grill concept, which garnered attention on Animal Planet’s “Tanked” and resulted in multiple licensing agreements.

Reflecting on his time at Minuteman, Jeff credits the school for providing the essential foundation and structure needed to understand the art of cooking. The basics of grilling, baking, and more were invaluable skills that set the stage for his culinary excellence.

In looking back at his educational and career journey, Jeff is filled with gratitude for the patience and grit of those who guided and mentored him. The invaluable lessons learned from mentors and the dedication they exhibited played a pivotal role in his growth and success.

Ron Guarnieri is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the invaluable lessons learned during his time at Minuteman. After graduation, he embarked on a journey that would define his career. Ron began his professional life in the hospitality industry, working at the prestigious Sheraton Boston. However, it was in the travel industry where he spent the next 12 years, steadily climbing the ladder from a travel agent to the Director of Operations for Thomas Cook International.

In 1991, his career took a dramatic turn when he entered the entertainment industry as a Production Stage Manager at a theater in Connecticut. Little did he know that this decision would shape the next 32 years of his life, solidifying his place in the world of entertainment.

Ron’s journey from Minuteman to his current profession was marked by a powerful influence from his instructors, such as Peter Crafts (Culinary Arts), Jack Mayer/Judy Lokich (Communications), and Mark Neckes (Distributive Education). They taught him to think outside the box, to chase his dreams relentlessly, and to focus on achieving them. Their guidance enabled him to see the bigger picture and develop a strong work ethic that continues to guide him today. 

Minuteman played a pivotal role in transforming a once “C” and “D” student into a motivated, engaged, and successful individual. The curriculum and teachers made academic subjects interesting and challenging, enabling him to excel in ways he never thought possible. Minuteman gave him essential skills like time management, multitasking, leadership under pressure, and the ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.

He gained his experience and training through hands-on work, learning “on the job” in both the entertainment and travel industries. There was no formal post-high school education, but his determination and passion for his craft pushed him to excel.

His journey took him to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a card-carrying member of Actors’ Equity Association, allowing him to work as a production stage manager for national tours of Broadway musicals and plays. He has had the honor of working with renowned performers like Andrea Bocelli, Robert Goulet, Phyllis Diller, and many more. His career even brought him to Broadway, where he worked behind the scenes, realizing a lifelong ambition.

In recent years, he has dedicated himself to community service, working with nonprofit organizations in Southern Nevada, including Serving Our Kids and Lighthouse Charities. He has also collaborated with nonprofits to provide opportunities for clients and volunteers to attend shows and concerts.

Ron is most grateful for the teachers and staff who believed in him and shared their experiences to help him achieve his goals. His advice to aspiring individuals is simple: follow your heart. The world needs skilled labor, and the path to success may not always involve college. He encourages everyone to embrace their unique journey, just as he did, and to chase their dreams relentlessly.

Maryanne Ham began her journey as a professional educator in 1987 when she graduated from Salem State College with a bachelor’s degree in business education. Eager to continue her quest for knowledge, Maryanne earned a Master’s in School Counseling from the same institution in 1990. This education laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would span decades and touch countless lives.

Maryanne’s career at Minuteman commenced in 1987 when she was hired as an Information Processing Teacher. Over the years, Maryanne evolved professionally, taking on various roles within the school community. She taught both post-graduates and high school students for 27 years, leaving an indelible mark on the young minds she nurtured.

In 2010, she became the Business Information Technology Cluster Chair, responsible for guiding and shaping the curriculum. Maryanne’s dedication was evident as she served as the Advisory Committee Lead for nine years, ensuring the engagement and commitment of advisory members.

In 2013, she took on the role of Supervisor of Educator Evaluations, contributing to the professional growth of her colleagues. As the Director of Special Projects in 2017, she supported a range of district initiatives, notably gaining approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for five Chapter 74 post-secondary programs in 2018.

Maryanne’s impact extended beyond the classroom. She co-led the establishment of the Minuteman Futures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization in 2016, and she co-founded the Massachusetts Girls in Trades in 2015, where she serves as the Chair, empowering young women in the construction trades. Her involvement in the Battlegreen Run has engaged the Minuteman community since 2017, creating an annual fundraising opportunity for the MPA. It also brings Minuteman families together on race day. In addition, it involves Culinary Arts students and teachers who feed the runners, as well as Design & Visual Communications students and teachers who create the promotional materials.

In 2020, Maryanne served as the Chair for the decennial review by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges further demonstrating her dedication to maintaining Minuteman’s high standards of education.

Throughout her career, Maryanne was a beacon of inspiration, advocating for Project-Based Learning and creating opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in a student-run office, “Info Pro.” Her philosophy of kindness, structure, consistency, and community support shaped her approach to discipline and working with students.

Maryanne’s legacy is not only the knowledge she imparted but also the belief that every student can learn and succeed when valued and supported. As Maryanne reflects on her career, she leaves us with valuable advice: “It takes a village, don’t work in a silo.” Her journey through education is a testament to the transformative power of teaching, the importance of community engagement, and the enduring legacy of a dedicated educator.

Today, we honor Maryanne Ham for her unwavering commitment to education, exceptional contributions to Minuteman, and enduring impact on the lives of students and colleagues. She has truly earned her place in the Minuteman Hall of Fame, forever etching their name in the annals of educational excellence.

Graduating from Minuteman in 2013, Christine embarked on an impressive academic and professional career. Armed with a solid foundation in environmental technology, she discovered her passion for engineering through participation in SkillsUSA. A pivotal moment came during her junior year at Minuteman, when she delved into a project exploring algae biofuel as a renewable energy source. This project ignited the spark that set her on the path to engineering. Christine’s academic journey continued at Smith College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering science. An early project in green building design, focusing on harnessing solar energy for self-heating, solidified her commitment to the field. 

After graduating from Smith College, Christine worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Doosan Fuel Cell America. This role honed her skills and paved the way for further academic pursuits. Christine’s thirst for knowledge led her to Stanford University, where she earned a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics. While at Stanford, she made significant contributions to the ORCAS project, a satellite initiative for astronomy, and she has co-authored and published several scholarly articles derived from her research. 

Throughout her life, Christine leaned on mentors and educators for guidance. Terry Regan, her shop teacher at Minuteman, played a pivotal role in sparking her interest in engineering, and he was instrumental in her successful SkillsUSA participation. The foundation laid at Minuteman played a pivotal role in shaping Christine’s professional growth. Projects on algae biofuel, fish trap design, and visits to treatment plants instilled essential engineering skills. Project management skills honed during her time at Minuteman proved invaluable in her career, as did the solid mathematical and scientific grounding. At Smith, Professor Susannah Howe provided most valuable career advice and direction. In 2023, Christine achieved a significant career milestone by becoming a civil servant at NASA, where she works on a communications satellite for the Artemis program, aimed at sending astronauts back to the moon.

Reflecting on her education and career, Christine is most grateful to the teachers and professors who provided guidance and support, shaping her professional life in profound ways. Her advice for aspiring individuals considering a similar path is simple yet invaluable: cultivate a strong network, seek mentors, and embrace the wisdom and insights of those who have walked the path before you.

Christine Hamilton’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Her remarkable progression from Minuteman to NASA, exemplifies the heights that can be reached with unwavering dedication, a thirst for knowledge, and the support of a strong community.

Becky Hatch’s journey began with a dream ignited in sixth grade, thanks to Kay Pillsbury, her incredible Girl Scout teacher. Witnessing Ms. Pillsbury’s front flip on a trampoline left an indelible impression, prompting Becky’s determination to attend Springfield College, the birthplace of her athletic aspirations. Little did she know this decision would lead to a lifelong passion for athletic training and education.

Upon graduating from college as a Physical Education instructor with a concentration in Athletic Training, Becky found herself at the forefront of a burgeoning field. Minuteman, with its forward-thinking approach, offered the perfect platform for her career. 

During her tenure at Minuteman, from 1980 to 1991, Becky wore various hats, each contributing to her legacy of influence. She served as a Physical Education teacher, Health curriculum developer, and Athletic Trainer. She also ventured into coaching for swimming and cheerleading. Additionally, she spearheaded the implementation of a Substance Abuse and Human Sexuality program for ninth-grade students, pioneering a health program that would benefit all Minuteman students.

In the summer, she expanded her responsibilities to include welcoming students, teaching Project Adventure, and coordinating summer school programs. Notably, she chaperoned three memorable trips to Disney World for seniors. One year Becky drove a van of students because there was an overflow and she wanted everyone to be able to go!

Becky notes there were several defining moments of her career. She initiated the Athletic Training program at Minuteman, placing the school in the vanguard of sports medicine in their conference. She navigated the uncharted waters of the health curriculum during the AIDS epidemic, demonstrating courage and commitment to student well-being.

One of the most cherished highlights was organizing cafeteria dance performances, where students would showcase their talents and have fun. These performances became highly anticipated events, displaying the close-knit Minuteman community.

Throughout her career, Becky exemplified a philosophy of discipline grounded in empathy. She treated each student as an individual, kept them informed about academic progress, and refrained from judgment. Her belief in the imperfection of youth and the importance of guidance and support left an enduring impact on those she touched.

Her impact on the school community and enduring commitment to students serve as an inspiration for current and future educators and professionals. Reflecting on her career, Becky emphasizes the importance of kindness and non-judgmental attitudes towards students. She reminds us that the heart of education lies in the relationships we build and the kindness we extend to those we serve.

From an early age, Liz (Serino) King knew she wanted a cosmetology career. At 14 she had her first position as a salon assistant. She passed her cosmetology exam before graduation in 2004, and has been working behind the chair since she was 18. Liz is currently the co-owner of J&L Hair Studio in Arlington Heights which opened their doors in September of 2013. 

Even though her career aspirations were formulated early, Liz was apprehensive about her future. This unease was partly fueled by her dad who questioned whether she could earn a living as a cosmetologist. Liz notes the transition from Minuteman to a career was a lot of hard work. However, that hard work was fueled by a motivation to “make my clients’ hair dreams a reality.” Liz shared that owning her salon provides the opportunity to “create the environment I’d like my clients and staff to experience—a clean, professional, safe space where everyone is welcome.” 

In addition to cultivating a welcoming salon setting, Liz is committed to continuously improve her practice. She pursued numerous classes and clinics to further her knowledge in the latest cutting and color trends etc. One of the more notable efforts was taking unbranded classes that explain the science and chemistry of hair, color, and products. She became a Board-Certified Hair Colorist in 2014. Liz also acknowledges her continued growth as a small business owner. “I am not the same salon owner I was 5 or even 10 years ago. I’ve learned to stay calm in any hard situation and have grace when things are particularly frustrating. I also try to be as open and communicative as I can. It could be a re-do on a client, staff calling out, or dealing with vendors, etc. I try to trust that things will work out and to accept when it’s out of my control. Daily and work stresses can negatively impact your life.” 

Liz credits her cosmetology teachers, especially Cynthia DeMaio, for the out-sized role in her success. “Ms. DeMaio truly is the best at what she does. Her passion and drive are a great example to her students”. In addition to Ms. DeMaio, Liz credits former boss Donna Callahan, who was her first mentor in the salon setting. “They both taught me what it is to be a successful and professional stylist.” 

Liz has not forgotten the key role Minuteman played in her professional success. “Minuteman is truly everything to me. I didn’t go to college. I picked a career (at the time) that wasn’t the “best” choice in some people’s eyes. Minuteman gave me my future in that I was able to become a successful stylist and salon owner and provide a good living for my family.” She continues to be involved in Minuteman; she returns to give demos and has hired several students through the years and provided them the opportunity to work in a salon setting. “I feel influenced by giving back to the school that has given me so much. Also, being a small business owner myself it’s important for me to support other local small businesses.” 

With a BS in Geology and a master’s degree in Hydrology, Terry Regan had already ascended the career ladder to the position of New England Regional Manager in the environmental consulting industry. However, an economic downturn in 1999 led to his fateful layoff. He humorously recalls that “getting laid off was the best career move he ever made.” Serendipity intervened when a graduate of Minuteman’s Adult Education program, whom Terry had previously hired, suggested he explore a teaching opportunity at Minuteman. This fortuitous connection paved the way to the institution that would become his second home.

Terry’s motivation to transition into teaching stemmed from his experience coaching youth sports and raising his own three children—experiences he believed would make for a straightforward transition to teaching. He soon realized that dealing with his students’ social and emotional needs would prove to be a more complex challenge. Yet, he persevered, recognizing the importance of being a trusted adult in a teenager’s life.

During his tenure at Minuteman, Terry played a pivotal role in the Environmental Technology program. He led earth-science units such as site assessments and hydrology, while co-teachers managed life-science units. Terry credits co-teachers with the program’s success. One of his favorite units focused on water treatment technologies, a field that offered lucrative opportunities for high school graduates. He took immense pride in witnessing his students’ success in landing well-paying jobs and purchasing homes shortly after graduation.

Terry’s impact extended beyond the classroom. As a SkillsUSA Advisor, he worked with students from various programs, fostering relationships and celebrating their successes while offering support to those who faced disappointment. He also spearheaded various projects with industry partners, allowing students to gain valuable field experience. 

His philosophy on discipline and student interaction emphasized consistency and firm yet fair enforcement of school policies. He believed in establishing boundaries and expectations for appropriate behavior, which, once understood, became a habit. Moreover, he advocated for understanding and the maintenance of calm when resolving conflicts, emphasizing the importance of not escalating situations unnecessarily.

Terry’s legacy at Minuteman is characterized by the culture he nurtured within the Environmental Technology program, where students often referred to their shop as their “second family.” The impact of Terry’s work at Minuteman goes beyond the classroom. The thank-you cards he received from students reinforced the significance of his role in their lives. He also maintained strong connections with graduates through a Facebook page and witnessed their success in college and careers.

Terry’s career at Minuteman left an indelible mark on the institution, its students, and the community. His approach to teaching, rooted in character and real-world experiences, serves as a model for both current and future educators. With patience, empathy, resourcefulness, and a sense of humor, he demonstrated that the impact of a teacher goes far beyond the classroom, shaping the character and future of countless students. Terry’s journey, which began with an unexpected layoff, ultimately led to a profound and enduring legacy of inspiration and mentorship at Minuteman.

With a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Clark University, Anthony embarked on a career that was as diverse as it was dedicated. His path began at Wesleyan University, where he served as the Assistant Dean of Admissions. Anthony was soon drawn to serve in local government.

A position at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission was his first foray into the world of government, providing planning technical support to communities across Central Massachusetts. But the desire to make a local impact grew stronger, leading him to Weston, Massachusetts. As the Assistant to the Town Manager and Public Information Officer, Anthony managed the town’s communication channels, ensuring residents were well-informed and engaged. He was instrumental in fostering a well-informed community, during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anthony’s journey did not stop there. He accepted a role in the historic Town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he managed the redesign of the municipal website and implemented Plymouth’s first digital request management system to increase resident engagement and improve Town services.

Anthony’s current role is a position he proposed to his former employer, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. As the Communications and Civic Engagement Coordinator, he provides expertise to municipalities that are looking to expand their public communications efforts. One of his goals includes creating public communications positions for smaller, rural communities funded on a regional level through municipal partnerships.

The transition from Minuteman to municipal government was shaped by Anthony’s love for environmental science and his professors’ passion at Clark University. The desire for an adaptive, fulfilling career that revolved around public service and positive change was always at the core of his journey. Specific individuals played pivotal roles in his life. Teachers and mentors from Minuteman, like Emily Kotwal, Terence Regan, Lisa Camagna, and the late Jannine Baker, instilled life lessons, and provided support and guidance. His college applications and scholarships were made easier with the thoughtful guidance of Dana Farrill and Joyce Cusack. The Minuteman Players, led by Gregory Donovan, nurtured his lifelong love of acting that expanded his horizons in improv and sketch comedy.

Looking back, Anthony is most grateful for the unwavering support of Minuteman teachers and staff during the challenging times in his life. Minuteman left a lasting mark, shaping his interpersonal skills, critical thinking abilities, and his appreciation for hard work and technical skills. His career revolves around serving and creating positive change, guided by the stability and mentorship he found at Minuteman. Anthony is determined to pay this forward and provide opportunities for others to succeed.

To aspiring individuals considering a similar career path, he offers the advice to immerse themselves in local government, attend city/town meetings, explore internships or entry-level positions, and learn about the initiatives that communities are working toward.

In the end, Anthony’s journey from Minuteman to his current position is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and dedication to public service, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he has served.

Melissa Burke is a trailblazer in the fields of healthcare and education, embodying dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of mentorship. Currently a certified Clinical Medical Assisting Instructor at Watertown High School, Melissa has spent over two decades mastering her craft and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Melissa’s journey began in 2001 as a clinical medical assistant, gaining experience across diverse specialties such as Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Family Medicine, and Cardiology. Her expertise grew as she took on roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as Lead Medical Assistant for the prestigious Mass General Brigham Community Physicians Group, Medford Cardiology. Her tenure at Wellesley Hospital’s arrhythmia clinic placed her alongside some of the nation’s top cardiologists and electrophysiologists, where she honed her skills in pacemaker management and patient education. A certified stress test technician and instructor in Basic Life Support and First Aid, Melissa has consistently pursued excellence11.

In February 2022, Melissa transitioned into education, joining Watertown High School to lead its Chapter 74 Medical Assisting program. Her passion for teaching has transformed the program, with enrollment climbing each year. Under her guidance, the inaugural class of graduates will soon enter the workforce as Certified Clinical Medical Assistants. Beyond academics, Melissa mentors students through the Watertown High School Medical Club, empowering them with hands-on healthcare experience and life-saving skills, while promoting community service.

Melissa credits her formative years at Minuteman High School’s Health Assisting program for laying the foundation of her success. The hands-on training and clinical rotations provided her with the confidence and competence to excel in her early career. Guided by the encouragement of her teacher, Mrs. Gerry McGrann, Melissa learned not only technical expertise but also the importance of empathy and teamwork. These lessons inspired her to pursue a career in education, where she now instills the same values in her students.

Throughout her career, Melissa has faced challenges, including moments of self-doubt during her transition to teaching. However, the support of her family—particularly the desire to inspire her daughter—fueled her determination. Passing her CCMA certification with near-perfect scores and earning leadership roles reaffirmed her decision to push forward.

Her accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. Melissa has desig ned the curriculum for Watertown High School’s Medical Assisting pathway, serves on critical school committees, and fosters a collaborative learning environment. She emphasizes the importance of both technical and soft skills, ensuring her students excel not only in healthcare settings but also as compassionate professionals.

Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and mentorship. Her journey from a dedicated medical assistant to an influential educator exemplifies the profound impact of giving back. Through her work, Melissa inspires her students to embrace challenges, pursue their passions, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

For Peter Crafts, the journey into the culinary world began in the kitchens of local restaurants during high school, where two chefs became his mentors and inspired him to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Encouraged by their guidance, he attended The Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1965. From there, he embarked on a dynamic career in food service, gaining experience in various managerial roles before finding his true calling—teaching.

In 1969, an opportunity arose to take over the culinary arts program at Brookline High School. Although he had never taught before, Peter embraced the challenge, overseeing both the school lunch program and an evening gourmet cooking course. His passion for education only grew, leading him to apply for a position at Minuteman High School when it first opened. It was an exciting time, and Peter saw the potential to create something extraordinary.

At Minuteman, Peter served as the director of the Commercial Services Cluster, managing the school’s lunch program while also launching a bakery and a full-service restaurant. Under his leadership, students took charge of all food services, working tirelessly from early mornings to late nights, gaining hands-on experience that would shape their careers. Discipline was key in the high-energy environment of a professional kitchen, and Peter ensured his students understood the expectations. While he was strict, his guidance created a structured and inspiring learning space where students thrived.

One of Peter’s most notable achievements was his involvement in the development of the first McDonald's restaurant on a high school campus. This groundbreaking initiative provided students with valuable real-world training and earned him a congratulatory call from President Ronald Reagan.

Among his fondest memories was a student-led production that combined the talents of the English and Culinary Arts departments. Over 100 students worked together to create an immersive theater-in-the-round experience, complete with elaborate props, costumes, and a gourmet dining service featuring a three-course menu with paired non-alcoholic wines. It was a tremendous success—one that showcased the creativity, dedication, and skills of his students.

For Peter, the greatest reward was seeing his students go on to build successful careers—not just in food service, but in all walks of life. He took pride in knowing that his mentorship played a role in shaping their futures. With four years to guide and nurture them, he believed deeply in the value of vocational education and its power to transform lives.

Reflecting on his career, Peter attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife, Marilyn, and their children, Jon and Kendra. Teaching was not just a job for him—it was a way of life, a calling that allowed him to pass on his knowledge and passion to future generations. His legacy at Minuteman lives on in the students who remember his lessons, his discipline, and his belief in their potential.

From a young age, Cynthia Demaio had a love for beauty and fashion. Hair, nails, and makeup fascinated her, and she absorbed everything she could about the craft. Her sister-in-law, a stylist, introduced her to the trade, sparking a lifelong passion. Cynthia pursued her interest professionally, attending cosmetology school and working as a stylist in a Newton salon for nearly nine years.

Despite her success, her father, an assistant principal at Waltham Vocational High School, and her brother, an electrical instructor in Medford, encouraged her to consider teaching. They reminded her, “You have the best of both worlds; you can do what you love while inspiring young adults.” Their words, combined with her natural inclination to share knowledge, led her to the classroom.

In January 1993, Cynthia began teaching at Minuteman as a long-term substitute in cosmetology; by September, she had secured a full-time position. Over the years, she took on leadership roles, including department lead, class advisor, mentor, summer school director, and outreach coordinator.

Among Cynthia’s most rewarding experiences has been working with students in The Salon @ Minuteman. She has witnessed their transformation, both in technical skills and personal growth. She has celebrated many milestones, from traveling to SkillsUSA in Louisville to seeing students pass their state board exams. The relationships she has built with students and staff remain some of her greatest achievements.

Cynthia’s approach to teaching was rooted in respect and understanding. She treated students with kindness, even when faced with challenges, and sought to understand the factors influencing their behavior. She provided guidance with positivity, ensuring students felt supported and empowered. Her philosophy was simple: communication is key. She prioritized open dialogue, addressing concerns with students before involving parents or administrators.

Throughout her career, Cynthia emphasized hard work, perseverance, and adaptability. She reminded students of the impact cosmetologists have on their clients—the confidence a great haircut or warm conversation can inspire. She cherished moments when struggling students had breakthroughs and treasured the many letters and messages of gratitude she received.

One of her most memorable encounters came when she ran into a former student from the '90s who now owns a salon in Marlboro. The graduate proudly told Cynthia that a letter she had written still hangs in the salon. Another student called years after graduation to thank her for believing in her, crediting Cynthia as the reason she didn’t drop out of school.

Cynthia acknowledges that teaching has given her more than she ever expected. It has shaped her professionally and personally, teaching her patience, empathy, and resilience. As a mentor, she has welcomed new teachers and guided them through their first steps at Minuteman.

Cynthia Demaio’s career is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the profound impact of a teacher who truly cares. Her influence lives on in the countless students she has inspired, mentored, and supported along the way.

A trailblazer in the realm of database infrastructure, Brandon Leach’s journey from a budding web developer to a Microsoft Data Platform MVP exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, innovation, and community. Today, he serves as a database infrastructure architect and subject matter expert for a leading hedge fund, leveraging his expertise to manage data estates spanning several petabytes across thousands of servers.

Brandon’s career began in web development, working with .NET until 2012, when he transitioned into database administration. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge led him to speak at conferences and user groups, establishing himself as a thought leader in database performance tuning and automation. This trajectory opened doors to roles at tech startups like SurveyMonkey and prominent FinTech firms, including AQR and Citadel. Now, Brandon focuses on helping his organization achieve operational maturity during its evolution into a hedge fund.

A proponent of giving back, Brandon has organized and delivered thousands of hours of free training through user groups and major conferences. His commitment to empowering others is matched by his belief that “community lifts us and makes us better.”

Brandon’s success is rooted in his willingness to embrace challenges and innovate. At one company, he managed six petabytes of data distributed across 24,000 databases on 1,800 SQL Server instances, handling hundreds of thousands of transactions per second. With a small team of four, Brandon spearheaded the development of tools and automation to streamline operations. This effort transformed data management by automating tasks like security and enabling self-service capabilities for business users.

Key accomplishments include designing and implementing automated control planes at multiple companies to simplify data platform management. For his groundbreaking contributions, Brandon has received multiple MVP Awards from Microsoft.

Brandon attributes much of his success to mentors like Shani, a former manager who encouraged him to explore automation before it became an industry standard, and Thomas Grohser, who introduced him to FinTech. His educational foundation was shaped at Minuteman, where he gained hands-on experience with programming languages, networking, and hardware. Skills in C#, .NET, ASP.NET, and database design directly led to his first professional role.

To aspiring professionals, Brandon offers sage advice: seek mentors both within and beyond your workplace, attend user groups, and build a network. These connections, he insists, will strengthen your skills and open doors to new opportunities.

Brandon Leach exemplifies how innovation, mentorship, and a dedication to community can propel a career while uplifting others along the way.

Greg Margolis exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and leadership, carving a unique path from vocational beginnings to executive success. A 2009 Minuteman grad, Greg's journey is marked by his determination to turn challenges into opportunities.

Greg earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UMass Amherst, in 2013. His time at UMass was transformative, highlighted by an internship with Dassault Systèmes, which evolved into a part-time role throughout his college years. This exposure laid the groundwork for a dynamic career in technology and sales. Upon graduating, Greg joined Keyence Corporation as a Sales Engineer, blending technical expertise with business acumen while managing high-value client engagements across New England. It was in this role that Greg discovered his passion for sales.

Greg’s career trajectory took a significant leap forward when he joined Ansys, a Fortune 500 engineering simulation software leader. Starting as an Account Manager, he rapidly ascended to become Area Vice President of Sales for the Eastern U.S. Over his decade-long tenure, Greg has led a team of 40 sales professionals, managing a nine-figure sales plan and driving double-digit growth. His leadership is rooted in fostering customer success and empowering his team to excel.

Beyond professional achievements, Greg's personal life is equally inspiring. During his senior year at UMass, he reconnected with Samantha, a fellow Minuteman alumnus. Together, they built a life centered on family, community, and shared passions. Now parents to two daughters, Ava and Chloe, the Margolis family embraces adventure through travel, camping, and competitive cheerleading. Greg and Samantha recently completed the New York City Marathon, raising nearly $12,000 for Tedy’s Team to support stroke and heart disease awareness—a testament to their dedication to making a difference.

Reflecting on his time at Minuteman, Greg credits the vocational education and diverse community for shaping his resilience and adaptability. Participation in SkillsUSA, varsity sports, drama, and leadership roles instilled a sense of grit and creativity. Winning state and national SkillsUSA competitions and serving as team captain for golf and tennis were milestones that nurtured his drive to lead and succeed.

Throughout his career, Greg has embraced challenges, including overcoming academic struggles in college and early setbacks at Ansys. These experiences taught him the value of persistence, mentorship, and continuous learning. He attributes his growth to a network of mentors and colleagues who invested in his potential, inspiring him to pay it forward.

Greg’s accolades include the CEO OneAnsys Award, multiple President’s Club honors, and recognition as Rookie of the Year at Keyence Corporation. However, his most rewarding moments stem from creating "lightbulb moments" for others—helping individuals realize their potential and achieve success.

Greg Margolis’s story is a celebration of grit, curiosity, and community impact. From his vocational roots to leading in a Fortune 500 company, he exemplifies the transformative power of passion and perseverance.

From an early age, Connie knew she wanted to be a language teacher. Her love for French began in middle school when a friend taught her after school what she had learned in class. By the time Connie officially started studying French, she was already ahead, embracing the language and culture. Her passion soon expanded to Spanish, and she pursued both languages at Holy Cross.

During her junior year, she took a leap of faith and studied abroad in Montpellier, France—her first time flying. This transformative experience fueled her lifelong love of travel and cross-cultural exploration.

Connie’s teaching career began at Fontbonne Academy, where she taught French and Spanish. Bilingual education was expanding in Massachusetts, she earned a Master’s in Bilingual Education at UMass Boston. She later taught part-time at Middlesex Community College before returning to full-time teaching at Fitchburg High School.

In 1993, she joined Minuteman, unsure what to expect from a vocational-technical school. But within a year, she knew she had found her professional home. The supportive colleagues, talented students, and innovative opportunities made Minuteman a special place, and she was eager to contribute.

For her first eight years, Connie taught both French and Spanish before embracing a new challenge—introducing Latin to Minuteman students. With no background in Latin, she spent a summer studying the language, determined to provide students with a strong foundation. Thanks to her dedication, Latin grew in popularity, becoming as sought-after as Spanish.

Beyond the classroom, Connie played a vital role in shaping student life. She chaperoned dances, proms, and international trips to France, Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. She also served as a class advisor, SkillsUSA mentor, and School Council member. In 2006, she became the Chair of the Humanities Department, a role she held until her retirement in 2023.

One of her most impactful contributions was founding the Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) in 2004. After a heartbreaking conversation with a student who had run away due to a lack of acceptance, she recognized the urgent need for a safe space. Under her leadership, the GSA fostered LGBTQ+ awareness, hosted events like the annual Day of Silence, and established a network of "safe" teachers for students seeking support. She later transitioned to advising the Community Service Club, partnering with the Lexington Rotary to raise funds for important causes and volunteer in the community.

Through it all, Connie’s greatest joy came from her students. She believed in building personal connections, attending their events, and creating a classroom environment where they felt valued. She understood that teaching was not just about imparting knowledge—it was about shaping character and preparing students for life beyond high school.

Reflecting on her career, Connie is grateful for every moment—the lessons taught, the lives touched, and the laughter shared. As one former student summed it up in his yearbook: "Laugh with me, Mrs. Morrison!"

From his time at Minuteman to his role as a Project Manager, Andrew Pace has built a career defined by leadership, perseverance, and service. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Facilities Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, he launched his career at Ogin Energy, managing wind turbine construction projects. He then held roles at Turner Construction Company, including Project Manager and MEP Superintendent. Currently, he applies his expertise at NorthStar Project and Real Estate Management, focusing on lab renovations and higher education construction. Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew serves as Vice Chair of NorthStar’s Charitable Committee, leading philanthropic efforts.

Minuteman provided Andrew with a strong foundation in trade learning, teamwork, and problem-solving. His hands-on experiences instilled confidence and resilience, helping him excel in project management. The technical and life skills he developed—ranging from public speaking to safety protocols—continue to shape his growth. SkillsUSA played a key role in refining his technical skills and fostering confidence in high-pressure environments.

Mentorship was pivotal to Andrew’s experience. He credits Terry Reagan for challenging him to exceed expectations and step outside his comfort zone, fostering both personal and professional growth. Amy Hutchings also guided him with a balance of support and independence, helping him develop organizational skills essential for managing complex projects.

Andrew's academic journey had challenges. Entering an engineering program without a strong high school background in math and science required dedication. He overcame this hurdle through perseverance, seeking extra help, and committing fully to his studies. This reinforced his belief in resilience and determination, qualities that define his career.

While proud of his professional accomplishments, Andrew’s true passion is giving back to his community. His volunteer work spans organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics Massachusetts, Habitat for Humanity, and various food pantries and youth programs. His mother’s career as a special needs teacher instilled in him a deep sense of service, shaping his commitment to mentorship and community engagement.

Andrew’s time at Minuteman influenced his views on teamwork and leadership. Whether on the football field or in the classroom, he learned the value of perseverance and accountability. His football experience taught him that success is earned through dedication and effort.

Andrew’s advice to students and professionals is simple: "If you want it, go for it." Success requires hard work, determination, and resilience. He encourages others to seek mentorship, embrace challenges, and pursue their goals. His philosophy aligns with Deepak Chopra’s quote: “If you want to be happy, make someone else happy. If you want to find the right person in your life, be the right person. If you want to see change in the world, become the change you want to see.”

Through his career, volunteerism, and commitment to others, Andrew Pace exemplifies leadership, service, and perseverance. His impact on his industry and community is an inspiration to all.

From the moment Mike Wainwright stepped onto the ice as a freshman at Minuteman, he knew he had found his second home. A three-sport varsity athlete, Mike excelled in hockey, cross country, and baseball, earning an incredible 12 varsity letters throughout his high school career. His leadership, work ethic, and passion for competition made him a standout both on and off the field.

One of Mike’s most defining moments came early in his freshman year during a varsity hockey game on January 22, 1992. A hard hit knocked him unconscious, and he woke up in the hospital undergoing a CAT scan. While recovering, he was overwhelmed by the support from his Minuteman community—teammates, classmates, and even his senior linemate, Dana Malloch, who left with his parents to check on Mike rather than taking the team bus home. The flood of calls to his hospital room the next day proved what Mike already felt—Minuteman was a special place where teammates were family.

Hockey was Mike’s first love, but his athletic talent extended far beyond the rink. He was a league All-Star in hockey for three consecutive years and also earned All-Star recognition in cross country and baseball. As a freshman, he was named Minuteman’s Rookie of the Year in baseball and went on to earn numerous accolades, including the prestigious United States Marines Distinguished Athlete of the Year award as a senior. His leadership extended into his roles as captain of the cross country and hockey teams, where he led by example and inspired his teammates.

One of the most cherished moments of Mike’s career came during his senior year when he had the rare opportunity to share the ice with his younger brother, Tommy. He vividly remembers assisting on Tommy’s first varsity goal—an experience that meant more to him than any personal record or achievement.

Mike’s dedication to athletics extended beyond high school, as he pursued opportunities in elite and professional hockey. He received invitations to pro tryouts and free agent camps. Unfortunately, a career-ending injury in 1995 forced him to shift his focus, but he carried the discipline and resilience he learned through sports into his future endeavors.

Thanks to the foundation laid at Minuteman, Mike went on to earn multiple degrees, including a Master’s in Exercise Science. He became a firefighter and a tactical fitness trainer, helping fellow first responders stay in peak condition. His passion for leadership, forged through years of athletic competition, has guided him throughout his career.

As he enters the Minuteman Hall of Fame, Mike reflects on the journey that brought him here, knowing that his greatest supporter, his late brother Tommy, is with him in spirit. "Tommy, we did it, buddy!"