Winchendon Weekly News school newsletter - Wednesday, January 11

WPS January Staff Spotlight

Lisa Crawley
Teacher of the Month

Currently a Toy Town Elementary Interventionist, Lisa is in her 28th year of education and her 5th year at Winchendon. She loves when a former student tells her how successful they are in school. She makes a difference by caring for each of her students, academically and socially. Lisa goes above and beyond for her students, collaborating on their behalf and advocating for them to ensure they receive all the help they need. Her passion, dedication and care are evident in all she does.

Andy Vaillette
Support Staff Member of the Month

Currently a custodian at Memorial School, Andy has served Winchendon for nearly 7 years. His hard work and dedication are noticed by all who work with him. He is especially appreciated for his positive attitude and his effort to make each day pleasant. Memorial School could not operate without him! He takes extra care to ensure the needs of the staff and students are met, all with a smile.

Nichols College students earn academic honors for fall 2022

DUDLEY, MA (01/12/2023)-- More than 400 students at Nichols College in Dudley, Mass., have achieved President's List or Dean's List honors during the fall 2022 semester.

The President's List and Dean's List recognize those students who achieve high grades during a single semester. To be included on the President's List, a student must have a grade point average of 3.85 or higher for at least 12 undergraduate credit-hours and must have received no grades below B- during the semester. Students with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for at least 12 undergraduate credit-hours and no grades below B- will receive Dean's List honors.

Logan LeBlanc of Winchendon (01475)

Reily Polana of Athol (01331)

About Nichols College
The mission of Nichols College is to educate and enlighten students to capitalize on their ambitions and to become impactful, forward looking global leaders.

MWCC Honors Six Newest Paramedics in Pinning Ceremony

L to R Selena Gonzales, Melissa Buchanan, Emily Thibeault, Daniel Hall, Jim Ares, Graylen Scarsdale
Photo courtesy of MWCC

GARDNER, MA - January 12, 2023 - Mount Wachusett Community College celebrated the achievements of Paramedic Class 4 with a traditional pinning ceremony on January 9, 2023, at the college's Gardner campus. The six members of Class 4 have all passed both the written and practical National Registry of American Medical Technician exams, the first class to do so prior to the pinning ceremony and are officially licensed paramedics.

"Today marks the anniversary of MWCC's first paramedic class pinning, and there wasn't a mask to be seen, and yet seven weeks later we found ourselves in a pandemic. With the incredible leadership of our faculty, advisors and partners, we were able to continue to offer this program throughout the pandemic, and our graduates have been successful in completing it," offered MWCC President James Vander Hooven. "I know it has not been easy and you are entering a profession that will never be easy. You have chosen to go forward and to help others, and I thank you."

"I would like to thank your staff and faculty for all they have done to make you successful," added Margaret Jaillet, Dean of Health Professions, Public Service Programs and Social Sciences. "And I would like to thank each of you for choosing the Mount and for choosing to serve our community. As a local resident, I have already benefited from MWCC having a paramedic program."

"As of tonight, we have officially finished paramedic school, and now we have the challenge of refining the things we have learned and becoming the best paramedics we can possibly be," Class 4 President Graylen Scarsdale told her fellow graduates. "Thank you to everyone who is here for sharing your loved ones with us, I am so honored to be part of this class. All of you are so capable and compassionate, you are going to be amazing medics."

Along with family and friends, the graduates were congratulated by Paramedic Program Chair Peter Laitinen, Medical Director Dr. Daniel Wilson, Clinical Coordinator and Professor John Breshnahan, Adjunct Faculty Gary Childs and Timothy Toth, and Lab Assistants Tyler Schwabe and Lorenzo Sordoni.

The six members of Class 4 are Jim Ares of Holden and member of the Hubbardston Fire Department, Melissa Buchanan of Lunenburg and member of the Lunenburg Fire Department, Selena Gonzales of Maynard, Daniel Hall of West Warren and a member of the Palmer Ambulance Service, Graylen Scarsdale of Pepperell and member of the Pepperell Fire Department, and Emily Thibeault of Templeton and member of the Templeton Fire Department.