Peabody School Celebrates 169 Graduates-June 17, 1981

The Peabody School in Norwood recently held a commencement ceremony at the South Junior High School, honoring a class of 169 graduates. The cohort, comprised of both seniors and post-graduate students, gathered to mark the culmination of their vocational training. The guest speaker for the evening was Martin Martinian, a regional program officer for Title IV-C of the Massachusetts Department of Education and a former associate professor at Fitchburg State College and Boston State College. Martinian delivered a direct challenge to the assembly, stating, “Don’t be a part of the sickness around the country and the state — get involved.” He further encouraged the students to “build on the good things that you have gained from Peabody.“

The ceremony featured tributes to two longtime pillars of the institution. The graduates presented special awards to James R. Donovan, the former assistant superintendent of schools who had retired the previous December, and Ruth M. Shea, who concluded a 14-year tenure as the director of the Peabody School. As a gesture of appreciation, Shea was gifted a Bachrach photograph of herself, which was commissioned to be hung permanently within the school. Dr. Louis Taris, the superintendent of Norwood schools, also addressed the class, telling them, “This is a time for you to begin the work of demonstrating, through your achievements, your appreciation for those who have supported you.“

The evening was defined by an extensive list of honors for academic and technical excellence. Elizabeth Allen received the Business Award for her proficiency in business machines, while Maryellen Gillis was honored for her secretarial skills. In the field of fashion, Nettie Duran was presented with the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Award in Fashion Merchandising, and Debra Coffee received the Anthony Colucci Award for her artistic mastery in baking, pastry, and sugar creation.

The culinary arts department saw a dominant performance by the Peabody 1981 Culinary Team, including Peter Curran, Douglas Nickerson, Debra Coffee, Kenneth Aicordi, Mark Merlis, Mark Palmer, Doreen Flynn, Lori Yalowchuk, and Salvatore Pascuito Jr. These students received multiple accolades from the Boston Epicurean Club, the Connecticut Chef’s Association, the New Hampshire Chef’s Association, and the Food Service Executive Association. Notably, Douglas Nickerson was awarded the Connecticut Chef’s Association Award for the most original student presentation, while Christopher Depooli received the $100 Epicurean Club Scholarship.

Further scholarship and organizational awards were distributed throughout the evening. Mark Merlis was named the recipient of the Sands, Taylor and Wood Award, while Debra Coffee accepted the Norwood Mothers’ Club Award. Doreen Flynn took home the Chef Training Award, and Patricia O’Rourke and Peter D’Attilio were recognized by the Massachusetts Vocational Association. Jane Pholen was honored with the Outstanding Citizen Award. Among the larger financial awards, Carlene Caccia received the $200 Ralph G. Shokour Cosmetology Award, Julie Repucci was granted a $200 DECA Fashion Merchandising scholarship, and Christopher Depooli earned the $500 Massachusetts Restaurant Association Scholarship. Additionally, Patricia O’Rourke received the $500 Norwood Teachers’ Association Scholarship, and Camilla Dovignon was awarded the $300 Norwood Rotary Club Scholarship. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduates, who represented Norwood and several surrounding communities, marking the end of their specialized education at the Peabody School.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger