Sunrise Residents Honor Principal George Usevich-July 21, 2011

A Sentimental Tribute to the Legacy of Norwood High

On July 21, 2011, a poignant and spirited gathering unfolded at the Sunrise of Norwood assisted living facility, where a group of dedicated residents and alumni orchestrated a surprise tribute for a pillar of the local educational community. George Usevich, the longtime and highly respected principal of Norwood High School, found himself the guest of honor during an unannounced ceremony that bridged generations of Norwood students. The event, held in the warmth of the mid-summer season, served as a sentimental farewell to a physical landmark that had defined the town’s educational landscape for decades, even as the community prepared to transition to a modern facility.

The catalyst for this unexpected celebration was the impending demolition of the historic Norwood High School building, a structure that held countless memories for the residents of Sunrise of Norwood. Recognizing the emotional weight of the school’s final days—the building was slated to be torn down at the conclusion of the academic year in June 2011—the staff and residents collaborated on a unique gift. Janice Costello, a staff member at Sunrise of Norwood, conceived the idea of creating a custom 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring a high-quality photograph of the old high school. To ensure the image was captured before the site underwent its final transformation, Eric Saulnier, the Activities Director, had taken a photograph of the building earlier in the year. This image was then commissioned to an English company specializing in custom puzzles, turning a simple school snapshot into a complex, tangible piece of history.

The assembly of the puzzle was an arduous but rewarding collective endeavor. Over the course of approximately one and a half months, a dedicated group of residents, staff members, and visitors contributed their efforts to piece together the image. The project proved to be a difficult challenge, particularly as the group neared completion. As the final stages arrived, the task of assembling the monochromatic “sky” portion of the puzzle tested the patience and focus of all involved. The final 30 to 35 pieces proved to be the most elusive, requiring significant persistence until Ashley Street stepped in to provide the finishing touch, successfully completing the intricate mosaic.

When July 21, 2011, finally arrived, the atmosphere was one of excitement and nostalgia. George Usevich, who was well-acquainted with many of the alumni residing at the facility, was invited to the presentation, unaware of the sentimental gesture awaiting him. Eric Saulnier presided over the event, introducing the ten residents who were all proud graduates of Norwood High School. The list of alumnae present represented several decades of the school’s storied history: Marion (Maguire) Bufton (Class of 1935), Evelyn Dougherty (Class of 1935), Rita (Monbouqette) Crimmins (Class of 1937), Sarah Kelley (Class of 1937), Mary Breen (Class of 1938), Helen (Koch) Overko (Class of 1940), Anne (Horton) Gilman (Class of 1940), Dorothy (Walsh) Mattson (Class of 1945), Anne Locurto (Class of 1960), and Janice (Curran) Costello (Class of 1968).

As George Usevich entered the room, he was greeted by familiar faces and the sight of the beautifully framed puzzle. The emotional connection between the Principal and the former students was palpable; many of the women were individuals he remembered from his long tenure in the Norwood public school system. The ceremony reached a heartwarming crescendo when the residents began to sing the Norwood High School alma mater. Though some needed a gentle nudge, George Usevich stepped in to provide the necessary prompting, his voice joining theirs in a chorus that resonated with pride and shared heritage.

This event was framed by the larger context of a town in transition. By July 21, 2011, the brand-new Norwood High School, constructed directly behind the footprint of the old building, was essentially complete. The transition to the state-of-the-art facility was scheduled for the upcoming September semester. For the residents of Sunrise of Norwood, many of whom had walked the halls of the old school decades prior, the puzzle served as a way to preserve a piece of their youth and acknowledge the legacy of George Usevich, a man who had dedicated his career to the students of the town. For George Usevich, the tribute was not merely a gift of art, but a validation of the enduring spirit of the Norwood community and the lasting impact of the relationships forged within the classrooms of the old school. The afternoon concluded as a memorable chapter in the history of the facility, leaving the alumni with a profound sense of closure regarding the loss of the old building and a renewed appreciation for their shared history.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Transcript Bulletin/Wicked Local