Honor Students Advised To Develop Talents Fully-This Day in Norwood History-June 3, 1964

Dr. Joseph F. Kauffman Tells NHS Honor Students: “Opportunities Are Limitless” at 9th Annual Honors Dinner

NORWOOD — May 30, 1964 — Thirty‑seven of Norwood High School’s most accomplished students were reminded Monday evening that “opportunities are limitless for those who develop their talents to the fullest,” a message delivered by one of Norwood High’s own distinguished alumni, Dr. Joseph F. Kauffman, Class of 1939.

The occasion was the 9th Annual Honors Dinner, held at the Lord Fox and sponsored by the Norwood Senior High School PTA. For Dr. Kauffman—now Director of Higher Education Services for the American Personnel and Guidance Association—the evening was, as he described it, a “sentimental journey” back to the school and town that shaped his early years.

A Distinguished Alumnus Returns Home

Dr. Kauffman, whose career has included service as Dean of Students at Brandeis University and Director of Training for the Peace Corps, contrasted his own 1939 graduation—set against the backdrop of the post‑Depression, pre‑war era—with the vastly different world facing today’s students.

Despite the changes, he emphasized that the essential truths remain constant. He urged the honor students to cultivate their “God‑given talents,” to “hammer out the true dimensions of your individuality,” and to recognize that scholarship must be paired with character, motive, and conscience.

“The most important thing in life,” he told them, “is to face ourselves.”

He underscored the purpose of the Honors Dinner with a quotation from Socrates: “What is honored is cultivated.”

School Leaders Praise Students’ Achievements

The evening’s theme was echoed by other speakers:

• Dr. Philip O. Coakley, Superintendent of Schools, praised the students’ accomplishments while reminding them to “be humble” as they continue their academic journeys.
• Charles A. Hayden, Principal of Norwood High School, described the honorees’ achievements as “excellence in action.” He thanked the PTA for sustaining the Honors Dinner tradition and commended parents for fostering “a sense of values which makes academic excellence important.”

A highlight of the program came when each honor student rose to introduce themselves and briefly share their interests and future goals. This portion of the evening was directed by Miss Katherine E. Ryan, NHS Dean of Girls.

Head Table and Program Leaders

PTA President Earl K. Bowen, serving as master of ceremonies, introduced the head table guests:

• Dr. and Mrs. Philip Coakley
• Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hayden
• Dr. Joseph F. Kauffman
• Rabbi David Prince, who offered the invocation, and Mrs. Prince
• Rt. Rev. Robert J. Sennott, who delivered the benediction
• Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bowen
• Miss Katherine Ryan
• Francis X. Sheehan, Jr., Chairman of the School Committee, and Mrs. Sheehan

Mr. Sheehan also introduced the full School Committee to the audience.

Honor Students Recognized

Students honored at the banquet included:

Seniors

Carol Elias, Beverly Obuchon, Kathleen Gordon, Judith Maroney, Anne Drew, Carol Madsen, Maryjane Parah, Victoria Turinese, Carol Waukhonen, Sheila Kelly, Joanne Gianusso, Martha Black, Frederick Dyer, William Jank, Paul Loughlin, David Miller, William Bazzy, Margaret O’Day, Frances Wisgirda

Juniors

Margaret Breen, Bernard Cooper, Thomas Chestna, Linda Gendron, Virginia Harvey, Carol Moreau, Judith Lindquist, Catherine Crawford, Monica Reagan, Elizabeth Orme

Sophomores

Nancy Alcardi, Margaret Mitchell, Loftin Elvey

Freshmen

Joyce David, Noralie Cox, Kathleen Ryan, Barbara Stitt

Honors Dinner Committee

The event was organized under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Purnell, Honors Dinner Co‑Chairmen. Committee members included:

Mrs. William McGovern, Mrs. Arthur Rodgers, Mrs. Earl Bowen, Mrs. Joseph Palleiko, Mrs. Irving Savor, Miss Katherine Ryan, and Mr. Charles Hayden.

A Tradition of Excellence

Norwood Messenger

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