WAKEFIELD — Wakefield Memorial High School (WMHS) Principal Amy McLeod presented honors to her staff and students at Wakefield Educational Foundation’s (WEF) annual Celebration of Learning on April 16. During her remarks, McLeod thanked WEF for providing a platform to recognize the good work being done by individuals at the WMHS.
McLeod started by recognizing individual juniors and seniors who exemplify the core values of WMHS and shine across multiple platforms. Senior Janiesa Andrade was praised for her leadership and advocacy not only for herself but for her peers. “Underneath her mild demeanor, Janiesa is a born leader.” She plans to major in Nursing with aspirations to become a neonatal nurse.
Juniors Michael Barry and Anthony LaVita were jointly recognized for being the first students on record to create a student driven policy at WMHS. From the roots of a civics project, they presented to the administration a proposal that would allow eligible seniors to take their first or last period class off campus. The proposal passed and McLeod is optimistic about the program’s continued success and that Barry and LaVita will themselves benefit from their efforts next year.
Next, McLeod spoke of the deep love and passion senior Samuel Carpenter has for learning. Sam’s “curiosity knows absolutely no bounds,” McLeod shared as she mentioned the many accolades of this well-rounded musician and scholar. Carpenter has shown leadership and dedication in Marching Band, Winter Percussion and Jazz Ensemble. Continuing his love of music and scholarship, Carpenter will be attending Northwestern University next year where he will double major in Chemistry and Music Performance in Percussion.
Junior Alice Getty was praised for her kindness and enthusiasm. She is active in numerous clubs, sports and holds a part-time job, all while maintaining a competitive GPA with a rigorous course load. She continues her energetic passions over the summer by volunteering at a local camp. McLeod noted that Getty rarely takes a break and that Wakefield and WMHS are lucky to have her contributing to our community for another year.
While speaking of senior Liam Mertens, one could hear the genuine pleasure in McLeod’s voice as she mentioned his “intelligent, witty, and quirky sense of humor.” Mertens is co-founder of the WMHS Dungeons and Dragons Club, a long-time participant in Science Olympiad, STEM department volunteer, spreadsheet aficionado and unofficial SAT on-site tech guru. Liam “lives out the value of aiming to be yourself perfectly,” praised McLeod. Boston University will be lucky to have Mertens join them next year as a Computer Science major.
“When it comes to the performing arts, Jhalak is all in. She excels on the stage and off the stage, too,” Principal McLeod raved about senior Jhalak Patel. Patel was recognized by the Massachusetts Theater Guild with the Excellence in Stage Management award. She is an active member of Voices of Steel (recipient of WEF’s prestigious Community Award) and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She also helped found WMHS’s AAPI student community as a platform for sharing ideas, traditions and culture. Jhalak is in the process of deciding where her talents will land her on her college track.
WMHS Staff honorees were praised for their dedication and support of students and colleagues. McLeod spoke of English teacher Patrick Brennan, who is known for his helpful and supportive nature. McLeod quoted one of Brennan’s colleagues who defined the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher. “Those who are accounted among the ranks of the great teachers are the ones who use their unwavering passion for their content as a vehicle for helping students become more fully realized human beings. In my humble estimation, Pat Brennan is nothing less than an all-time great teacher, a genuine exemplar to both students and faculty alike. Dr. Lyons often says that the people make the place and Pat is one of the people who makes the Wakefield Public Schools outstanding.”
Kristen Brazeille was praised for being a dedicated and supportive teacher. Brazeille’s approachable nature is evident in both her chemistry classroom and in her extracurricular endeavors. She is an advisor for both the GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) and Rainbow Cafe, both places to connect and engage with peers and allies.
Latin teacher Caleigh Bryson was lauded for her innovative teaching strategies. McLeod spoke of how Bryson “fosters not only a love of Latin, but an enduring connection between students and their community.” She helped launch a dual enrollment in Latin with UMass Boston. The program has now expanded to Spanish and has paved the way for further dual enrollment courses for WMHS students.
WEF and WMHS congratulate these stellar students and staff on all their accomplishments and thank them for their contributions to the Wakefield community. The Wakefield Educational Foundation’s mission is to support the good work of individuals and groups who continue to make Wakefield a great place to learn and live. To support its grant process, WEF receives generous funding from key local business partners, private donors and a series of annual fundraisers including 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 awarded over $730,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools since 1989. Learn more by following WEF on Twitter or Facebook or go to WEF01880.org.