North Attleboro High School Alumni Association

March 2009

Association News

The 3 A's at NAHS

Personal Profiles

Alumni News and Announcements

North Attleboro High School
Alumni Association
Winter 2009 Newsletter

Greetings from the President:

Hello again from the campus of North Attleboro High School. We're excited to present our sixth E-Newsletter, featuring the announcement of our 2009 Alumni Association Awards Recipients. These eight individuals will be honored at our 3rd Annual Awards Banquet in May. Details about the dinner appear below in the Association News section of this Newsletter.

Also included in the Newsletter are three profiles that shine our spotlight on an alumnus (Gideon Gaudette '93), a current member of the faculty (Mr. Ed Shockro), and Miss Katie Czepiel ('09), one of the top all-around students in our current senior class. We hope you enjoy meeting these folks.

Our membership continues to grow, thanks in part to our recent foray into the world of social networking through Facebook. If you are a Facebook member, please join our group. We're pleased by the rapid rise in the number of connections we've made, and we hope it translates into increased participation in Alumni Association activities, increased attendance at the upcoming Awards Banquet, and increased donations.

As always, our goal is to enhance the educational experience of current NAHS students and build the community of NAHS Alumni. We can only achieve this goal with your help. Please visit our website often (www.nahsalumni.org) and send us your thoughts on how we can better serve you, the proud alumni of North Attleboro High School.

Warm wishes,
Keith Lapointe '93

Association News

Announcing
2009 Alumni Association Award Recipients

Excellence in Education Award: Miss Elaine Bedard ('69), Miss Judith Cobb, Mr. Jim Frutchey and Mr. Ed Shockro.

Honorary Alumni Award: Mr. Jack Fitzgibbons, Sr. (Posthumous)

Joseph W. Martin, Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award: Mr. Clayton Dietz ('41) and Dr. David Christianson ('79).

Young Alumni Award: Richard Beaudoin, PhD ('93).

Click here to view descriptions of the awards and a list of past winners.

The 3rd Annual NAHS Alumni Association Awards Banquet is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2009, at Leona's Restaurant in North Attleboro. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased in the NAHS Main Office or by clicking here. Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 7:00 p.m..
Alumni Authors Display: Have you published? Would you be willing to share your work with NAHS students? Bob Baier ('67) has donated copies of Identify Theft Prevention for the College Student to be used in our upcoming "NAHS Alumni Authors" display planned for this spring in the High School Media Center. We'd love for you to send complimentary copies of your work to: NAHS Alumni Association, c/o Jack Johnson, Secretary, North Attleboro HS, 1 Wilson Whitty Way, North Attleboro, MA 02760.

The 3 A's at NAHS

Academics: NAHS seniors have begun to receive college acceptances from a wide variety of schools. Here is a random sampling of this year's acceptances:
           Several students have been accepted to Massachusetts state schools, including the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and its sister schools in Dartmouth and Lowell. Other students have been accepted to Massachusetts state schools in Bridgewater, Fitchburg, Framingham, Salem and Westfield.
           Also among the list of accepting schools are New England favorites UConn, UMaine, UNH and URI, in addition to Boston College, Brandeis, Endicott, Fairfield, Franklin Pierce, Hartford, Johnson & Wales, Maine College of Art, Mass. College of Art, Northeastern, Plymouth State, Providence, Quinnipiac, Regis, RIC, Roger Williams, St. Anselm, Springfield, Stonehill, Wentworth and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
           Seniors have also received acceptances from schools outside the New England region, including Catholic, Colorado State, Cornell, George Mason, Johnson State, Mary Washington, Marquette, Oral Roberts, Purdue, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Tampa and Towson State.
           This wide range of schools offers further evidence that NAHS students can compete with students from anywhere in the country. Good luck to the seniors as they make their final decision on which school to attend!

Arts:: The NAHS Art Department will participate in the Fine Arts Festival on May 14th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cobb Theater. This is a joint venture with the NAHS Music Department.

The NAHS Music Department will perform several times in the coming months:

March 25th-- Music Department Spring Concert at 7:00 pm in the Cobb Theater.
April 3rd and 4th-- MICCA Concert Band and Choral Festival in Norwood and Foxboro.
May 8th-- All-Town Concert at 7:00 pm in the NAHS Kenneth G. Pickering Gymnasium.
May 14th-- Fine Arts Festival at 7:00 pm in the Cobb Theater, including Theater and Art Departments

           The NAHS Theatre Company will present "Once Upon a Mattress" on Friday and Saturday, May 1st & 2nd, at 7:00 pm, in the Cobb Theatre. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for students.

Athletics: NAHS Winter Athletic Teams captured a handful of team championships. Competitive Cheerleading is currently 5-0, having just captured the MSSAA South Regional Championship as well as the Hockomock League Championship. Wrestling finished 19-2, winning the South Sectional Championship; Girls Swimming went 8-1 on its way to a Hockomock League Championship.
           Here are the final records of the remaining winter sports teams: Gymnastics: 6-4, Hockey: 6-13-1; Girls Indoor Track: 5-3; Boys Indoor Track: 6-2; Girls Basketball: 8-12; Boys Basketball: 8-12; Boys Swimming: 7-3.
           NAHS athletes also captured Individual State Championships: Nick Wade ('09) won the 600m run at the Indoor Track State Championships. Nick's time (1:20.89) broke the All State Meet record. The Girls 4X200m relay team also captured first place at the All State Meet. The team of Julianne Cappadona ('09), Lauren Goldberg ('09), Carolyn Udall ('09) and Christy Deininger ('10) has run the fastest time in Massachusetts this year (1:44.52).
           The first-ever NAHS Alumni Hockey Game is scheduled for March 8, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. at the Iorio Arena, Walpole, MA. Participants include past NAHS players, coaches and alumni from the 1970s – 2008. Tickets cost $6.
           To learn more about NAHS Athletics, visit http://sharepoint.naschools.net/highschool/Athletics/default.aspx.

Personal Profiles

NAHS Alumni Spotlight -- Meet Gideon Gaudette ('93)
By Keith Lapointe '93

Mr. Gideon Gaudette is a 1993 graduate of NAHS and the current principal of the Allen Avenue Elementary School. He recently sat with NAHS Alumni Association President Keith Lapointe to discuss the road he traveled back to North Attleboro.

What did you do after graduating from NAHS in 1993?
After graduating from NAHS in 1993, I attended Framingham State College. I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and was hired in the Newton Public School System in 1998. I taught grades one, three, and five in Newton over eight years. In 2002, I completed a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instructional Technology from Framingham State. In 2006, I was hired as the Assistant Principal at the Joseph W. Martin School in North Attleboro. I never imagined that I would end up working in North Attleboro. It has been a great experience thus far and it is nice to see many familiar faces around the district.

Tell us about your current job and your family:
Currently, I am in my first year as the Principal of the Allen Avenue Elementary School in North Attleboro. My wife, Kerri, and I have two boys: Jack is two years old and Joseph is 11 months. The boys are a handful! When I was hired as the Assistant Principal at the Martin School, my wife and I decided that living in Boston and commuting to North Attleboro was not an ideal situation. We now live in Norwood, so the commute is much easier!

How did NAHS prepare you for your role as elementary school principal?
NAHS prepared me in many different ways. Since there is so much writing in college and even in my job today, I would have to say that the English Department really prepared me. From Mrs. Samma to Mr. Hanold to Mr. (Jack) Johnson, I felt ready for college assignments and still utilize the lessons I learned in their classes today.

Is there a teacher at NAHS that had a particular impact on you?
I had many great teachers at NAHS, so choosing just one is difficult. I would have to say Mrs. Mary Clark, my Algebra teacher. I really struggled with Algebra, but she never gave up on me. I took that same "I'm not going to give up on you" approach when I taught in Newton. I really appreciate Mrs. Clark going the extra mile for me.

What advice do you have for current or future NAHS students?
My advice for NAHS students is that hard work will always pay off. If you work hard in high school, it will lead to being accepted into a good college or university. If you do well in college, it will lead to a good career. Everything is not going to come easily in life, so do your best and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

NAHS Faculty Spotlight -- Meet Mr. Edward Shockro, History Teacher
By Jack Johnson '80

Mr. Ed Shockro is currently enjoying his 37th year as a member of the History Department at NAHS. We caught up with him recently to discuss his background and thoughts about teaching at our school.

After graduating from Bishop Feehan HS ('68), Mr. Shockro enrolled at Bridgewater State College, where he earned a BA in both History and Psychology in 1972. That fall he accepted a position teaching History at North Attleboro HS under Principal Lou Kelley. Mr. Shockro earned his M. Ed. in Secondary School Administration from Rhode Island College in 1976.

Mr. Shockro has taught American History, World History, General Psychology, child Psychology and English to students in all levels from honors to level three. Throughout his career, his philosophy has been to try to be the teacher he would want his daughter to have. This is a lofty goal, seeing as his daughter, Sally, recently completed her PhD at Boston College after an outstanding undergraduate career at Brandeis University.

According to Mr. Shockro, the students of NAHS "have been great to work with" and working with his younger sister, Kathy, a veteran Spanish teacher at NAHS, has been fun.

Mr. Shockro has received a number of educational grants for summer study, including:

1997—United States Naval War College Current Strategy Forum
2005—National Endowment for the Humanities: Landmarks in American History and Culture (Mining in the American West)
2006—National Endowment for the Humanities: landmarks in American History and Culture (Women’s Suffrage in the American West)
2007—National Endowment for the Humanities: Landmarks in American History and Culture (Stony the Road We Trod. . . The Civil rights Movement in Alabama
2007—National Endowment for the Humanities: Landmarks in American History and Culture (the Farmer in United States History)
2008—National endowment for the Humanities: Landmarks in American History and Culture (Not Just a Scenic Road-the History of the Blue ridge Parkway)
2009—Foreign Policy Research Institute Seminar: "What Students Need to Know About American’s Wars. 1920 to the Present."

In addition, Mr. Shockro received both the 2009 Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year for the Attleboro Area and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

After all this summer work, one might think that Mr. Shockro is ready for retirement. Not true. "Lord willing," he states, "I would like to stay another five years and then retire; that would give me 42 years. Good news for NAHS History students.

NAHS Student Spotlight -- Meet Kathryn Czepeil ('09)
By Jack Johnson '80

Katie Czepeil is one of the top all-around students in the current senior class. She recently agreed to share her thoughts on NAHS, her courses, her teachers and her post-high school plans. I'm sure you’ll agree Katie is a wonderful representative of our school.

How would you characterize your years at NAHS?
My years at NAHS have been a mixture of pressure, growth and laughter. There is no way to avoid the stresses of grades and peer pressure in high school. But, over four years, you learn to be selfish. You finally stop comparing yourself to other people and living up to their standards. I have grown to accept myself for who I am and now understand that you should not try to change yourself to please someone else. So even if I have laughed at myself along the way, at least I had a smile on my face.

What courses have you enjoyed the most?
My favorite courses at North Attleboro High School were AP Biology with Mr. Duluk, AP Calculus with Mrs. Burke and Photography with Mr. Flanagan. I chose to mention my two favorite advanced placement courses because they challenged me and made me appreciate learning beyond the mark on a test. Mr. Duluk and Mrs. Burke are just some of the great teachers at NAHS, but they stand out because they are willing to devote as much effort and put in as much hard work as their high achieving students do. It just shows that students will rise to the challenge when they see how much the teacher cares for the material. With that said, Mr. Flanagan understands the "magic" behind photography and lets his students explore its boundaries. The countless hours that I spent in the darkroom free of lectures or writing assignments helped me process everything else that seemed to fly wildly around my head.

What teachers have had the greatest impact on you?
My freshman history teacher Ms. Capone had the greatest impact on me. Although it was nearly four years ago, she was the one to first really push me. She encouraged me to try things I never would have tried otherwise. It was in her class, that I first decided to run for a position in student government. Thanks to her, I learned early on in high school to find my voice and use it. I have been secretary of the class for the past four years and I owe it all to her.

What extracurricular activities have you enjoyed?
I am currently entering my twelfth season of track and field. On top of my commitments to running and my teammates, I am also involved in several other school-run clubs and activities. I am a Yearbook Editor, involved in the Math and Science Clubs and currently am the publicist of S.A.D.D. and vice-president of the National Honor Society.

What are your plans for next year?
Next year, I hope to attend college, figure out what to study and start the rest of my life. I also want to make new friends while holding onto my old ones and never forget the good times that I had here at North Attleboro High School.

What one or two things do the alumni need to know about NAHS?
While the class of 2009 might seem vastly different from your graduating class, you should know the people and experience really have not changed. Each day I walk in through those same doors you did, knowing that although I may face some grueling tests and challenges throughout the day, I have my friends, classmates and teachers there to offer a helping hand and a little guidance along the way.

Alumni News and Announcements

---1940s---

Clayton Dietz ('41) lives in Severna Park, Maryland, where he has resided since 1978. Clayton is retired from both Citibank and Bank of America, having enjoyed a successful career in international banking. Clayton will receive the Joseph W. Martin Distinguished Alumni Award at our May 8th Awards Banquet. See the Association News section of this Newsletter for additional information about the Martin Award and the 3rd Annual Awards Banquet.
Clint Appleby ('43) reports from Greenville, PA, that his sister, Lillian Grace (Appleby, Hill) Ryan ('51) passed away on August 17, 2006. In addition, his brother, Arthur Wayne Appleby '44) passed away on May 14, 2008, and Arthur’s first wife, Beverly Gallotta ('45) passed away on November 4, 2001. Clint's brother Walter Edward Appleby ('48) is still living in Summerville, SC.

---1950s---

           Dr. Gordon J. DiRenzo, Ph.D ('52) is a professor at the University of Delaware. Don Ouellette ('55) tells us that he hasn't heard from any of his classmates for about four years. He's wondering if anyone from his class is in a position to plan a class reunion.
           Charlie Lockhart ('51) has joined the Amway Global network and has become an active IBO (Independent Business Owner) with his wife Lois. This is a challenging step for the 80-year old who has been a retired USAF master sergeant since 1974.
           Lockhart moved from Anchorage, AK, to a five-acre farm in Chimacum, WA in 1976. He presently resides with his wife, Lois, in Centralia, WA, where he is active as a college tutor and serves on the local library advisory board and the Lewis County Literacy Council. He is an Honorary Life member of the Beyond Parallax student club at Centralia Colllege. The Club publishes the annual literary and graphic arts journal for the student body.
           Among his academic and professional achievements, Lockhart lists a Masters Degree in Bible Knowledge; Masters Degree in Theology and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Letters. Ordained as an Evangelist, he is active in Church and the local Ministerial association.

---1960s---

           Joe Troy ('66) lives in Culpeper, VA, and enjoys running marathons. He’s already run the New York City, Paris, Richmond, VA, Rome, London, Disney World and Toronto marathons, and he plans to run the Boston Marathon April 20, 2009, with a charity called "Homes for our Troops." Good luck!
           Bob Baier ('67) shared some information about his professional life from Warwick, NY. He writes: I am a handwriting expert, Forensic Document Examiner, and I testify in court regarding forgeries. I have rendered an opinion in 23 different states and 2 different countries. I have testified as an expert in court in 7 different states. I am the author of the book Identity Theft Prevention for the College Student, which has been called "The finest and most complete book regarding identity theft on the market today and the easiest to read with its conversational style".
           I have been on the TV Show "Inside Edition", ESPN Magazine, Orange Magazine, National radio, and the Montclair State University Alumni Magazine. I train law enforcement in Orange County, NY, in 7 different areas and received Faculty Member of the Year in 2008 at the School of Forensic Document Examination. I have a passion for speaking at colleges and universities around the country in many different subjects, Identity Theft of course being one.
           My second book, GPS for Success: Goals and Proven Strategies for Success, will be out by August of 2009. I co-author with Stephen Covey, author of the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Dr. John Gray, author of the book Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, and Les Brown, author and nationally know motivational speaker.
           Ernie Blais ('69) recently celebrated 35 years as a Civil Engineer with the Federal Highway Administration. He currently serves as the Division Administrator in the Vermont Division, overseeing an annual highway construction program of about $200 million in Federal-aid in the State of Vermont. Ernie and his wife, Marilyn, are the proud grandparents of a baby girl, Zoe Katherine McGrath, born on Friday, February 6, 2009, in Edison, NJ. Zoe is their second grandchild, and they are expecting their third in May. Congratulations to the growing Blais family.
           Elaine Bedard ('69) will receive the NAHS Alumni Association Excellence in Education Award at the Alumni Association Awards Banquet in May. Visit the "Association News" section of this Newsletter to learn more about the award and the May 8th Banquet. Congratulations, Elaine!

---1970s---

           John Whiting ('71) reports that he recently retired from the Pawtucket Police as a Major / Chief of Detectives after a thirty year career. He has accepted the position as Chief of Police for the Town of North Providence, RI.
           Tom White, PE ('72) is a Senior Project Engineer working on the I-95 widening project in Cocoa, Florida. He asks that we all think of him when we’re struck in construction traffic.
           Ken Kronheim ('75) writes that he is currently working with the Colorado Department of Education as a Senior Consultant. He oversees a state funded program that addresses reading difficulties of students in grades K-3. He previously worked for four years at the University of Central Florida as a Regional Consultant for Florida’s Reading First Program.
           Christy (Wolstencroft) Morison ('75) is currently living with her husband in Suwanee, GA. She moved to California after HS graduation and, nine years later, became a resident of Texas thanks to a career with DoubleTree Hotels. Fifteen years later, marriage and a new business brought her to upstate New York and then back to Massachusetts. Her husband's promotion prompted the move to Georgia, where the couple has lived since May 2008.
           Debbie (Sherman) Hipp ('75) has been living in London with her 15-year-old daughter, Katie, working as a contract Special Investigator with the US Embassy/London. Her husband Mark is serving a 1-year tour in Baghdad as head of security for US Embassy/Baghdad, before joining them in London. They have moved so much as a Foreign Service family that they've missed all the reunions, but hope some day to make one.
           Ginny (Bedard) Dolan ('78) shared news about the Class of 1978's 30th Reunion, held November 2 8, 2008 at the Tavern From Tower Square. She reports it was "a fun evening with good food, good laughter, good memories, and best of all—good people. There is already some discussion going on for the 35th. The main question is whether a summertime reunion would be appealing. If you have any thoughts on this, email vadolan@gmail.com." Click here to view the official reunion photo that appeared in The Sun Chronicle. You may purchase the picture for $15 by contacting markstockwell@verizon.net.
           Don Johnson ('79) was recently named head football coach at NAHS. Don is the head of the History/Social Studies Department at the HS, and he's been a football assistant coach since 1983.
           Dr. David Christianson ('79) will receive the NAHS Alumni Association Joseph W. Martin Distinguished Alumni Award at the May 8th Awards Banquet. Visit the "Association News" section of this Newsletter to learn more about the award and the May 8th Banquet. Congratulations, David!

---1980s---

Jerry Espinosa ('80) and his wife, Teris, have opened a personal training studio called Fitness Together North Attleboro, at 429 South Washington St., NA. Clients of Fitness Together NA, who range from high school age to senior citizens, will benefit from the company's one-on-one training concept. The Espinosas' primary target includes professional men and women, aged 30-65, and athletes looking to work on speed, quickness, agility and explosiveness.

---1990s---

           Congratulations to Susan (Tallard) Crowe ('92) on her January 1, 2009, wedding to Rocky Crowe. The couple was featured on the front page of the Brockton Enterprise as the region's first wedding of the new year.
           Richard Beaudoin, PhD ('93) will receive the NAHS Alumni Association Young Alumni Award at the May 8th Awards Banquet. Visit the "Association News" section of this Newsletter to learn more about the award and the Banquet. Congratulations, Rick!
           Melissa (Silva) Gagner ('96) and her husband, Michael Gagner ('93) announce the birth of their first baby, a boy named Caysen Michael, on July 7, 2008. Caysen checked in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces and 15 inches long. Congratulations to all!
           Class Agent Kate (Feid) Bloom ('95) sends lots of news from the Class of 1995. The Class is celebrating a number of births. Laura Smith ('95) announces the birth of her daughter, Lily Holly Smith, on September 24, 2008. Kimberly (Irving) Kane ('95) announces the birth of her second daughter, Irelyn Brianne, born on November 3, 2008. Lisa (Basiliere) Holden ('95) and her husband, Byron, announce the birth of Lindsey Elisabeth Holden, born on December 4, 2008, in Raleigh, NC. Lindsey weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz. and was 20m ¾ in. Finally, Emily (Shaw) Santiago ('95) and her husband, Juan, happily announce the birth of their daughter, Ada Rae Santiago, born on December 9, 2008, in Walnut Creek, CA. Zach Saelens ('95) and his wife announce the birth of their daughter, Sofia Lily, born on December 23, 2008. Finally, Kate (Feid) Bloom ('95) and her husband, Rory Bloom, are expecting the birth of their second child in July 2009. Congratulations to all!
           The Class is also celebrating a couple weddings. Sara (Signman) Hill ('95) was married to John F. Hill of Belmont, MA, on May 11, 2008. Tara Manning ('95) is getting married October 17, 2009. The ceremony will take place in NA at her fiance's father's house, followed by a reception at Leona's Restaurant in NA. Good luck!

---2000s---

Sean Coughlin ('06) writes that he went to Dean College following HS graduation, and then he transferred to Springfield College a year ago, making this his third semester at Springfield. He recently declared himself a Sport Management major with a Business minor.

Many thanks to all who contributed to this newsletter!

To share news about your accomplishments, births, marriages, promotions, or anything else you feel is newsworthy, send your notes to jjohnson@naschools.net and we will publish them in our next e-newsletter.

IMPORTANT Privacy Information: E-mail communication from the North Attleboro High School Alumni Association will ALWAYS include links to www.nahsalumni.org. There are many "for-profit" web-based firms that may attempt to create the impression they are affiliated with North Attleboro High School Alumni Association. We are not. They may send you e-mails with links to their sites. Visiting their sites and providing them contact information could compromise your privacy.

Finally, please remember to log on to www.NAHSAlumni.org to update your personal information!