WEDF Honors Worcester Public Schools Distinguished Alumni

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation cordially invites you to celebrate the induction of our 14th class of Distinguished Alumni & Friends of the Worcester Public Schools at a banquet in their honor.

2025 Recipients

Kenneth Bates – Social Service Executive, Burncoat High School

Melanie Bonsu – Corporate Community Relations Leader, Doherty Memorial High School

Dr. Jill Beck – Higher Education Leader, South High School

Francis Carroll (posthumously) – Business Leader, Commerce High School

Dr. Shirley F.B. Carter – Medical Professional / Author, Classical High School

Dr. M. Kathleen Hardart – Pediatric Physician, Doherty Memorial High School

Michael Lucas – Primary / Secondary Education Leader, Doherty Memorial High School

Timothy Quinn – Restauranteur, Burncoat High School

William Wallace – CEO of Museum of Worcester, Friend of Education

Learn more about past events and recipients

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

5:30 p.m. Cocktails & Conversation
6:30 p.m. Dinner & Awards Presentation

Hogan Center at the College of the Holy Cross – Worcester, MA

This annual event recognizes former students of the Worcester Public Schools who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career pathways and also recognizes corporations, community agencies, foundations, and other entities that support the Worcester Public Schools.

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WEDF Names Leslie Scales Executive Director

WORCESTER, MA, August 25, 2025 – The Worcester Educational Development Fund (WEDF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Leslie Scales as its new Executive Director. Scales brings more than two decades of leadership training, nonprofit management, and strategic development experience to advance WEDF’s mission of supporting educational initiatives and fostering community partnerships across Worcester.

“Leslie combines entrepreneurial vision with deep nonprofit expertise and a genuine commitment to community impact,” said Matt Wally, President of the WEDF Board.

“Her proven ability to design programs that empower individuals and drive growth makes her the ideal person to guide WEDF’s next chapter. We’re confident that, under her leadership, we will broaden our reach and strengthen our support for Worcester’s students and educators.”

Scales holds a degree in Marketing and Management from Babson College, where she specialized in Entrepreneurial Studies. She launched her career by founding and directing a leadership institute for women in corporate and nonprofit sectors. She then served as a regional director for small-business development, helping entrepreneurs secure financing and scale operations, and most recently led a major affordable-housing association, where she oversaw program expansion, a digital rebrand, and new training initiatives. In addition, Scales has consulted for numerous nonprofits and associations, advising on strategy refinement and operational efficiency.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Leslie is a dedicated mother of two — her son, a high school athlete, and her daughter, a recent college graduate. On weekends, you’ll often find her cheering from the sidelines at sports fields and rinks, walking her family’s dogs, or exploring new destinations. “I’m honored to join WEDF at such an exciting time,” said Scales.

“I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, and community partners to build on our strong foundation, expand educational opportunities, and empower Worcester’s next generation of leaders.

”About Worcester Educational Development Fund (WEDF) The Worcester Educational Development Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) experience. Since 2005, WEDF has raised and distributed over $5 million for initiatives including Mini Grants for Teachers, the Coats for Kids program, and student enrichment opportunities. The Fund also recognizes outstanding alumni and contributors through its Distinguished Alumni & Friends of WPS Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame. To learn more or support WEDF’s work, visit wedfwps.org.

Worcester Educational Development Foundation Announces 2025 Worcester Public Schools’ Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. (WEDF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting Worcester Public Schools by connecting students and teachers with essential resources, enhancing student experiences, and promoting equity through collaboration, is proud to announce the 2025 inductees into the Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.

2025 Inductees

Athletes:
• Lee Boykin – Worcester Boys Trade School, 1980 (Baseball)
• Robert Clem – South High School, 1975 (Football/Hockey)
• Katelyn (Petty) Cupelo – Doherty High School, 2004 (Basketball)
• Henry Cusick – Classical High School, 1953 (Basketball/Baseball)
• Maire Gallagher – Burncoat High School, 2022 (Field Hockey)
• Keith Gray – Doherty High School, 2004 (Football)
• Jermaine Johnson – South High Community School, 1992 (Basketball)
• Rodney Agyare-May – Burncoat High School, 2017 (Track & Field/Football)
• Lillian Melican (Posthumous) – South High School, 1937 (Field Hockey)
• Peter Stevens – North High School, 1958 (Track & Football)

Teams & Contributors:
• Burncoat High School Football Team, 2004
• Outstanding Contributors: Forest Grove Coaches Jane Dowd, Jen Cormier, and Nick Chacharone

“We are once again delighted to recognize such an outstanding group of athletes who have brought great pride to our city,” said Thomas V. Murray, Jr., chairman of the selection committee.

Hall of Fame Banquet Details

Date: May 8, 2025
Location: College of the Holy Cross
Cocktail Reception: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Dinner to Follow

Tickets: $75 per person | Tables of 10: $700

Buy Tickets


Contact: Shannon at 774-502-0445

Tickets are expected to sell out quickly! Sales will close on April 30, 2025, or once capacity is reached.


About the Worcester Educational Development Foundation (WEDF)

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation (WEDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) by connecting students and educators with essential resources to enhance learning and promote equity. Since 2005, WEDF has raised and distributed over $5 million to fund key initiatives, including Mini Grants for Teachers, the Coats for Kids program, and student enrichment opportunities. The foundation also honors outstanding WPS alumni and contributors through its Distinguished Alumni & Friends of WPS Awards and the Athletic Hall of Fame. WEDF relies on community support to advance its mission of enriching the student experience and fostering success across Worcester’s public schools. To learn more or contribute, visit wedfwps.org.

Call for Distinguished Alumni Applications

Do you know a Worcester Public Schools graduate who has made a lasting impact in their field or community? Help us celebrate their achievements! We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring outstanding WPS graduates who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and service.

Learn More & Apply

WEDF Honors Worcester Public Schools Distinguished Alumni

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2024 Distinguished Alumni of the Worcester Public Schools.

They are:
Jason Ardizzone-West, Doherty Memorial High School – Emmy Award-Winning Stage Designer
Sarah Christie, Esq., Doherty Memorial High School – Attorney
Sharyn Eaton, South High Community School – Educator & Performing Artist
Wayne Glazier, MD, Chandler Junior High School – Physician & Community Leader
Mari Gonzalez, Doherty Memorial High School – Community Leader
Bill Murphy, North High School – Business Leader, Author & Philanthropist
Monsignor Richard Reidy, Doherty Memorial High School – Spiritual Leader

Karon Shea
Friend of the Worcester Public Schools

The honorees will be recognized on October 24 at a banquet at the College of the Holy Cross. Tickets to the event are $100, tables of 10, $900. For questions regarding tickets, please contact McHala Brophy at 774-696-9685.

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According to Foundation President Tony Economou, “For the 13th year, we will proudly celebrate the outstanding achievements of former Worcester Public School students who have found great success in their careers and personal pursuits. This event not only honors these alumni, but also the educators whose guidance and instruction laid the foundation for their accomplishments.”

DA Press Release 2024-9Download

Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame to Honor 2024 Inductees on May 17

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation invites you to cheer for alumni athletes as they are inducted into the Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame on May 17 at the Hogan Center, College of the Holy Cross.

2024 Inductees:

  • Daron Brown – Doherty Memorial High School
  • Burncoat Boys 1996 – 1997 Basketball Team
  • John Creamer – South High Community School
  • Scott Fenner – South High Community School
  • Lauren Fitzgerald – Burncoat High School
  • Michael Flynn, Coach – Abbott Street School
  • Andrew Hunter (posthumous) – North High School
  • Jackie Malm – Burncoat High School
  • John Stolberg – South High Community School
  • Delaney Marie Sylvester – Doherty Memorial High School
  • Isaac Yiadom – Doherty Memorial High School

Outstanding Contributors:
Dr. Lee Mancini and Angela Rufo from Family Medicine/Sports Medicine at UMASS Memorial Health

Worcester Public Schools 2023/2024 Team Honorees: 
South High Community School Girls Basketball Team
North High School Boys Basketball Team

Net proceeds from the event help purchase equipment and uniforms. Unlike neighboring districts, Worcester does not charge fees for the 165 teams open to students. The cost of outfitting one football player is nearly $1,000.

The evening of celebration includes a reception, dinner, and awards ceremony. Tickets are $75 per person or $700 for a table of 10 and are on sale now. For more information on dinner tickets, please contact Shannon Bartley at 508-574-7339. For more information about event sponsorship or program book ads, contact McHala Brophy at 774-389-0741 or execdir@wedfwps.org.

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2024 Nominations Now Open

Do you know a distinguished Worcester Public School Alumnus who is deserving of a nomination?

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the annual Distinguished Alumni of the Worcester Public Schools awards! The program was established in 2011 by WEDF to honor and recognize alumni of Worcester Public Schools who:

  • Have made exemplary contributions to their professional fields, the Worcester community, Worcester Public Schools and/or the betterment of society
  • Serve as outstanding role models for current Worcester Public Schools students
  • Have achieved outstanding success in academics, the arts, community service, business, humanitarian efforts, research and various other fields

This year’s ceremony is scheduled for October 24, 2024 at a banquet held to honor the awardees at the College of the Holy Cross. 

If you know of any alumni who meet the above criteria, we strongly encourage you to submit their names to the Foundation. Online and printable nomination forms are available below. 

In addition to filling out the basic information about the alumnus, be sure to include a one-page narrative describing your nominee’s accomplishments and why you’re nominating them. Supplementary documents such as newspaper articles about their accomplishments and resumes are also helpful in the review process. If you know of an exemplary candidate, but don’t have time to compile a full nomination, feel free to email your idea to advancement@wedfwps.org.

We look forward to seeing this year’s nominees, and selecting the next class of Distinguished Alumni! Be sure to spread the word!

Download Nomination Form
Fill Out Online Nomination Form

WEDF Announces Honorees for 12th Annual Distinguished Alumni & Friends of the Worcester Public Schools Awards

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. (WEDF) is proud to announce the 2023 Class of Distinguished Alumni of the Worcester Public Schools. A celebration of their achievements will be held on October 25, 20223 at the College of the Holy Cross.

Honorees are:
Woodrow Adams, Jr. – Public Servant & Community Leader
Dimitrios Angelis, M.D. – Cardiologist
Matthew Brown  – Business Leader
Maritza Cruz – Community Leader
The Hale Sisters – Entertainers
David Klein – Business Leader
Brian LaRose – Business Leader
Charles Olson (posthumous) – Poet
R. Norman Peters – Real Estate Attorney
Chloe Nester Sundberg – Educator & Artist
Marian Younge, M.D.  – Family Medicine

The North High Alumni Association
Friend of The Worcester Public Schools

Holmes-Shusas Florist
Friend of The WEDF

According to Thomas V. Murray, Jr., chairman of the committee, “We are once again delighted to present such a notable group of alumni who received their educational foundation in the Worcester Public Schools. We look forward to celebrating their achievements.”

Major sponsors for this year’s event are Lamoureux Pagano Associates and UniBank. Dinner tickets for the event are $75 and are available to purchase at the link below. For more information on the event, call 774-389-0740 or email info@wedfwps.org.

BUY TICKETS
WEDF_DA_FINAL-09262023

2023 Scholarship & Award Winners

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation announced more than $40,000 in scholarships and awards for graduating seniors in the Worcester Public Schools. The funds have been provided by foundations, corporations, fund raising events, organizations, and individuals. The recipients are:

Connected Scholars Laptops
40 seniors in eight high schools.

Nina and Miriam Barber Scholarship
Taevye Dawkins, North High

Elizabeth “Betty” Reid Scholarship
Denesia Rivera, North High
Maria Managua Castillo, North High
Chelsea Frimpong, North High

North High Alumni Association Scholarships
Julieen Nicolas, North High
Leilani Castro, North High
Juleein Nicolas, North High
Crystal Abruzzise, North HIgh
Colm King, North High
Jaylene Canales Morales, North High
Jenny Wu, North High

Ryan Quinn Memorial Scholarship
Annie Corrao, Buncoat High

Mary Murphy Spirit Award
Mia Haynes, Burncoat High

Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English
Student Award: Brian Nguyen, Worcester Technical High School
Teacher Award: Jessica McGuire, Worcester Technical High School

In addition, WEDF provided gift cards and Table Talk pies to 17 outstanding students in visual and performing arts.

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WEDF Announces Spring 2023 Mini-Grant Recipients

The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. funded more than $5,000 in mini-grants for educators in the Worcester Public Schools.

The grants funded extraordinary projects to enhance and enrich teaching and learning in WEDF’s areas of focus: Arts and Culture, College and Career Readiness, Health and Wellness, and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.

The grants were funded through WEDF’s Distinguished Alumni & Friends of the Worcester Public Schools event, the Office of District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr., individual donations, and the general funds of the WEDF.

Congratulations to all of the grant recipients, and a huge thank you to our grant review committee!

2023 Mini-Grant Award Recipients

Dina Taylor • Worcester Technical High School • Children’s Library
Meg Cook • Elm Park School • Harvesting Healthy Habits
Gregory Jones • South High School • Modernizing Physics Classroom
Dante Quercio • Claremont School • Cougar Coding Club
Jane Dowd • Burncoat High School • BHS Memorial Courtyard
Brenda Hernandez • Worcester East Middle School • Peace Over Violence
Andrea Cook • Burncoat Middle School • Thrills & Chills
Tom Donington • Burncoat High School • Burncoat Billgoats
Jackie Latino • North High School • Happy Beans Coffee Shop
Alana Juneau • Worcester Arts Magnet • Clay All Day!
Debra Bianculli • Tatnuck Magnet School • Light, Shadow & Color 
Michele Petty • Roosevelt School • Getting Moving In PE!

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