IPG Photonics Supports WEDF’s Connected Kids Campaign

Worcester Educational Development Foundation thanks IPG Photonics for its significant contribution to our Connected Kids campaign. The funds will provide Worcester Public Schools students with Chromebooks, and supports the district’s commitment to a 1:1 student to device ratio.

IPG Photonics is a global developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers with world headquarters in Oxford, MA and is committed to giving back to its communities, funding educational programs and improving our environment for future generations. WEDF is grateful for IPG’s support!

To learn more about the Connected Kids campaign, or to donate, click here.

Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarships Awarded

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. (WEDF) is please to announce the recipients of the Elizabeth “Betty” Reidy Scholarship. As a testament to her commitment to children and families, Reidy’s family has established this Scholarship for North High School graduates who intend to pursue a course of study and career in nursing, education, social work, counseling, or the ministry. We heartily congratulate Karina Herreira, Jocelin Kegbeth, Maria Morfe, Sara Sebbai, Abigail Boafo, and Dalena Le.

Mrs. Reidy, a North High School graduate and lifelong Worcester resident, dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for individuals in our community. She graduated from Emanuel College, received her Master’s in Social Work from Boston College, and later an Honorary Doctorate from Assumption College. She nurtured her own children to go on and become highly successful individuals.  

Worcester Red Sox Donate Ceremonial First Pitch to Benefit WEDF Campaign

WEDF extends a special thank you to Charles Steinberg and the Worcester Red Sox for donating the ceremonial first pitch at a Worcester Red Sox Game at Polar Park as an auction item to benefit our Connected Kids campaign. Congratulations and thanks go out to the winner of the item, Peter Caparso of Worcester.

To learn more about WEDF’s Connected Kids campaign or to donate, click here.

WEDF Presents Gurel Award to North High Student and Teacher

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. (WEDF) is please to announce that the 2020 Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Teaching and Learning in Advanced Placement English has been awarded to student Lily Gandolfo of North High School and her teacher, Courtney Brousseau. Each year, the student honoree is chosen by lottery from the pool of WPS students who receive the highest score on the AP English exam.

Worcester Public Schools alumni Dr. Lee Gurel established this award in 2006 in honor of his 8th grade english teacher, Miss Wilmot, at Woodland Street Preparatory School. He donated an endowment for the award to thank the Worcester Public Schools for the educational foundation he received that prepared him to become a nationally recognized psychologist.

2020 Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

The Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame honors Worcester’s elite competitive athletes.

The Hall of Fame was created to both honor our best athletes but also highlight the incredible diversity and the lifelong spirit of sportsmanship that Worcester’s athletes exemplify.

2019-2020 Inductees:

  • Robert Bailey – Burncoat High School
  • Stephen Brunelle – Doherty Memorial High School
  • Lenny Carlson – North High School
  • Richard Eid – Classical High School
  • Robert Goodney – Worcester Trade High School
  • Steven Hennigan – South High School
  • John McGrath – North High School
  • Michelle Legacy Montville – Doherty Memorial High School
  • Michael Lynch – South High School
  • Tijean Pluverge – Doherty Memorial High School
  • Matthew Powers – Burncoat High School
  • Jewel White – Doherty Memorial High School

Stephen Mills Named Interim President

Dr. Stephen Mills, founder of the Worcester Educational Development Foundation, has been named interim president of the organization. 

Mills retired as Superintendent of the Acton-Boxboro Public Schools, was Deputy Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools, and served on the Worcester School Committee. He is currently the director of the Center for Effective Instruction at Worcester State University.

Mills is a graduate of Burncoat High School, and his three adult children are Doherty alumni.

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