The Executive Director of the Worcester Educational Development Fund (WEDF) leads the organization’s daily operations, guides its strategic direction, and manages relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) administration, and the broader community. The Executive Director oversees financial operations, staff and consultant management, and fundraising initiatives, ensuring that WEDF meets its goals in alignment with its mission to support teachers and students in Worcester Public Schools. Additionally, the Executive Director enhances Board effectiveness by supporting Board development, ensuring active engagement, and fostering productive collaboration among Board members.
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
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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!
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.
WEDF_DA_FINAL-092620232023 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.
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!
Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame to Honor 2023 Inductees on May 19
The Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Committee has announced the following list of inductees:
- Joshua Awuma – Doherty Memorial High School
- Kelly Bates – Burncoat High School
- Ken Bates – Burncoat High School
- Ryan Keddy – Worcester Technical High School
- Raymond McGrath – South High School
- James McDermott – Coach
- John Murray – Worcester Technical High School
- Michael Paladino – Doherty Memorial High School
- Joseph Perry – Doherty Memorial High School
- Hannah Quinn – Doherty Memorial High School
- Jim Reynolds – Coach
- Yawin Smallwood -Doherty Memorial High School
- Joseph Thompson – Outstanding Contributor
The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, May 19, at Holy Cross’s Hogan Center.
The reception is at 5:00 p.m. and will be followed by a dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Dinner tickets are $75 ($20 for children under 12) and a table for 10 is $700.
To reserve your tickets or for information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shannon Bartley at 508-574-7339.
The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc. serves as the fiscal agent for the event.