Dean Lawrence Ovian Issues High-Stakes Charge to Vocational Grads at Junior High South Ceremonies

Students graduating in 1982 have a “moral commitment” to support education for future generations, Lawrence Ovian told graduates of the Henry O. Peabody School Wednesday night at the graduation ceremony hosted in the Norwood Junior High School South auditorium.
Lawrence Ovian, associate dean of graduate and continuing education at Fitchburg State College, told the vocational school graduates that as long as the country held high standards for free public education, the nation will survive. “You’re either going to support education and support those following you or we’re all going to be in trouble,” Lawrence Ovian warned. At the ceremonies, business student Kathy Shields of Dedham was presented with the prestigious “Progress Award” directly from Peabody School Director William Maher.
School Committee Chairman Joseph Pentowski said that because of their specialized education, the graduates will now enter society with extra responsibility. Joseph Pentowski noted that “the Peabody School has always had the proper attitude — extra motivation, extra imagination and proven results.” Both Louis J. Taris, school superintendent, and William Maher, director of the Peabody School, urged the students not to forget the education and skills they learned at the school. “May each of you strive daily to utilize your talents to attain your goals,” William Maher said.
The 1982 graduating class includes students completing rigorous coursework across several specialized technical departments:
- BUSINESS: Diana Ashman, Dedham; Karen Crowther, Foxboro; Nancy Aprea, Canton; Shirley Gannon, Norwood; Theresa Martin, Norwood; Kim Souza, Medfield; Debbie Prevett, Norfolk; Dorothy Clarite, Medway; Sandra Soderlund, Norwood; Jill Squillante, Norwood; Suzanne Dubois, Norwood; Kathy Shields, Dedham; Tracie Hassett, Norwood; Julie Souza, Medfield; Paula Schwartz, Hingham; Wendy Abrahamson, Sharon; Cyndy Canton, Norwood; Lucille Penza, Walpole.
- COSMETOLOGY: Dianne Fortier, Norwood; Teresa Neves, Norwood; Heather Allen, Mansfield; Marlene Weckbacher, Dedham; Charlene Germano, Norwood; Kelli Jane Sheehan, Norwood; Faith Woolf, Norwood; Debbie Carchedi, Norwood; Laurie Lyman, Walpole; Carmen Quintos, Norwood; Patty Neville, Canton; Jayne Carr, Mansfield; Cheryl Germano, Norwood; Mary Faherty, Norwood; Ann Jackson, Walpole; Nancy Cruit, Walpole; Janice O’Neil, Sharon; Lisa Naumann, Norwood; Carol Dire, Sharon; Denise Velk, Brockton; Betty Accolla, Norwood; Vivianne Desvergenes, Attleboro; Josette Burke, Walpole; Lisa Vitiello, Dedham; Bonnie Withington, Dedham; Karen Sullivan, Canton; Susan Falcone, Norwood; Josephine Triolo, Sharon; Nancy Marie Farrell, Norwood; Ellyn M. Rowlands, Norwood; Jill Allison Meehan, Mansfield; Marie T. Brown, Norwood; June Marie Hunt, Norton; Dolores Ann Somerville, Dedham; Rosemarie Theresa Daigle, Norwood; Jackie Manning, Foxboro; Annmarie Giampa, Norwood; Denise Bridges, Norwood; Wanda Howard, Plainville; Michelle A. Ward, Mansfield; Dianna L. House, Norwood; Judy Wasil, Norwood.
- CULINARY ARTS: Michael La Couture, Brockton; Nancy Leary, Franklin; Amy Morris, Dedham; Patricia Smith, Brockton; Doreen Flynn, Franklin; Patricia Swartz, Weymouth; Joan Eknaian, Franklin; Diana Holland, Norwood; Lori Yulowchuk, Weymouth; Kathy Brady, Norwood; Michael Maguire, Weymouth; Richard Conli, Mansfield; Beverly Burbank, Weymouth; Paul Champoane, Braintree; Douglas Thompson, Norwood; John Gvajean, Weymouth; Leon Hoskins, Randolph; Jeffrey L. Bragg, Abington; Denis Driscoll, Braintree; Matthew McNamara, Needham; Paul Balfour, Braintree; Steven Holbrook, Braintree; Jayne Higgins, Medway; Ellen O’Loughlin, Dedham; Michael Toohey, Rockland; Rita O. Attilio, Westwood; John W. Hinken, Easton; Kenneth Aicardi, Braintree; John Joseph Curtain III, Weymouth; Gregory Alan Hurwitz, Brockton; Sean James Grealey, Framingham; Robert John Cronin, Paul Flynn, Westwood; John Boutilier, Norwood; Rita Paradine, Walpole; Sandra Kerr, Natick.
- FASHION DESIGN: Collene Newton, Rockland; Susan Collins, Needham; Pattie Norling, Abington; Linda Roussel, Dorchester; Imelda Petit, Brockton; Rosa Cerqueira, Norwood; Katrina Mendes, Norton.
- FASHION GROUP: Kathy McKeon, Rockland; Sue Dalton, Attleboro; Tina Hurd, Franklin; Patricia Williams, East Bridgewater; Karen Mayers, Sharon; Cheryl Pratt, Rockland; Darlyne Vona, Newton.
- FASHION MERCHANDISING: Mary Chetwynd, Norwood; Nancy Garrity, Norwood; Cyndi Lawless, Walpole; Lori Knight, Uxbridge; Joy Cornell, Sharon; Maureen Murphy, Medway; Robyn Ducles, Norwood.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Peabody School Stories
-
Henry O. Peabody School Hosts Seventh Annual Harvest Fair and Flea Market-October 13, 1978

The Henry O. Peabody School for Girls invites the community to its seventh annual Harvest Fair and Flea Market, featuring a western barbecue, baked goods, and festive activities.
-
Henry O. Peabody School Hosts Fifth Annual Harvest Fair and Flea Market-October 15, 1977

The Henry O. Peabody School for Girls holds its fifth annual Harvest Fair featuring food booths, crafts, flea market treasures, and student fundraiser activities.
-
Henry O. Peabody School Graduates 130-June 18, 1977

Dr. Gerard Saunders Delivers Keynote Address Offering Six Practical Guidelines For Entering Working World “The time has come to prove yourselves,” said Dr. Gerard Saunders, guest speaker at the Awards Day Program of the Henry O. Peabody School yesterday. Addressing the 130 graduating students, Dr. Saunders, a professor of law at Mass. Bay Community College,…
-
Quality is The Main Ingredient: Inside the Henry O. Peabody School Culinary Arts Program-October 7, 1974

An inside look at the Henry O. Peabody School culinary arts program under instructor Richard J. Camire, featuring affordable student-cooked meals and a popular public bakery.
-
Proposal Would Combine High School and Henry O. Peabody School Facilities-October 4, 1973

The School Committee reviews a preliminary proposal to combine Norwood High School and Henry O. Peabody School facilities for a new career development and vocational program.
-
First Male Graduate Breaks Tradition at Peabody Practical Nursing School-August 28, 1972

David Thurber of Austin Street breaks tradition as the lone male among 32 graduates to become the Henry O. Peabody School’s first male licensed practical nurse.
-
Henry O. Peabody School of Practical Nursing Graduates 28 Students-October 13, 1969

Twenty-eight practical nursing students graduate from Norwood’s Henry O. Peabody School, with special honors awarded to local standouts Gail Penza, Mary A. Paulin, and Grace Robinson.
-
School District Prepares for New Academic Year with Orientation Institute and Registration Dates-August 14, 1968

Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley announced student registration dates and school opening schedules as Norwood public schools welcome dozens of new educators for the 1968-1969 academic year.
-
Norwood Hospital Women’s Aid Donates $10,000 Installment-October 19, 1967

Women’s Aid Continues Generous Support for Norwood Hospital Demonstrating unwavering dedication to local healthcare, members of the Norwood Hospital Women’s Aid presented a $10,000 check to the hospital yesterday during a business meeting and tea held in the social hall of the Norwood Lutheran Church. The generous contribution represents the fourth installment on an ambitious…
-
State Approval “Virtually Assured” for Two New Norwood Schools as Building Commission Reviews Plans-October 6, 1966

State officials declare approval of two new Norwood schools virtually assured, while Peabody School celebrates its tenth nursing graduation and local PTAs hold fall meetings.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
