WAKEFIELD — Wakefield Educational Foundation [WEF] and Principal Megan Webb announced this year’s Galvin Middle School honorees at the 29th annual Celebration of Learning. WEF hosts this special event to recognize those individuals whose dedication and contributions to their schools stand out and make our school district truly special.
Principal Webb introduced the fifteen student honorees to the stage first, commending their embodiment of the Galvin iCare values. iCare stands for integrity, community, acceptance, relationships and excellence. The students selected for this year’s WEF awards were chosen for consistently displaying these values, not just in the big moments, “but the way they live these values in the small everyday choices that they all make.” This year’s student award recipients are Grade 5: Hannah Bates, Scarlett Beil, Vincent Collura, Sophia Gilman, Maya Mohan and Olivia Pisani; Grade 6: Rose Migliacci, Ryan Olsen and Lucas Rogalin; Grade 7: Elle Beil, Lucy R. Goryl and Dougie Warner; and Grade 8: Phoebe Louise Belknap, Julie DiLeva and Kahvey Nomichith.
Webb next welcomed Galvin staff Wes Connelly, Matt Conroy and Lauren MacIsaac to the stage. These three individuals are part of the Therapeutic Learning Community [TLC] at the middle school. Webb noted that though the work is “not always flashy” it is “powerful work.” She spoke of their ability to see each individual student, emphasizing that this team “reminds all of us that one size does not and should not fit all” in education and in life. Webb continued speaking of the impactful work the TLC team does and the connections they have made both with students and with families. They have created “a culture of belonging and safety and purpose,” Webb enthused, adding, “they are champions for students who need champions most.”
The final Galvin recognition went to Volunteer Shayna Reed. Reed has been an integral member of the Galvin Parent Teacher Organization [PTO] Steering Committee. She has worked enthusiastically on the Galvin Grows fundraiser, on bringing enrichments to the school and managing events to show teacher appreciation. Webb praised Reed for her “collaboration and care for our community.”
To continue supporting our Wakefield students and educators, WEF relies on the generous contributions of key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers, all of which directly support our grant process. These vital fundraisers include WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar showcasing student art; the S.T.A.R.S. program recognizing exemplary WPS staff; the Online Auction; and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has proudly awarded over $730,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools since 1989. To learn more about our work, follow WEF on Twitter or Facebook or go to WEF01880.org.