Monfredo: North High Library Dedicated To Dr. Loughlin… Well Deserved!

Sunday, July 03, 2016

John Monfredo, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you will help them to become

what they are capable of being.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

This quote is the perfect one for Dr. Deirdre Loughlin for her entire career as an educator was encouraging her students to reach for the next step in your life and become a better person. Last week at North High School the school’s library was dedicated to this wonderful individual. Family, friends, former co-workers and former students dating back to the 1960’s all showed up to honor her.

I know firsthand about this remarkable woman for I have worked with her from the time that I was an elementary principal and now into my role as a school committee member. She is an individual with outstanding credentials from a Bachelors of Science degree in Premed, a Doctorate in Education from University of Massachusetts, a Mentor Fellow from Harvard University, a Biology Fellow from Boston University, , and a Master of Nature Science and Biomedical Instruction from WPI.

As a teacher she has taught Science, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physical Science in the Worcester Public Schools as well as Advanced Placement courses in those subjects, and taught on the college level. Prior to her retirement she was the Manager of Staff, Program and Curriculum Development and then came back when called upon to become interim superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools. Needless to say as our interim superintendent Dr. Loughlin brought years of successful experiences into our system and an impeccable reputation as one who gets things done.

Many people, perhaps, didn’t realize this but her role as interim superintendent was anytime but… in the first two months of office she visited every school and listened to the needs of principals, teachers, and parents. Her ability to communicate with all was outstanding and all her decisions were based on one thing… what was in the best interest of the children. It was not unusual to see her giving a student a hug and asking the student what they were learning as she visited the school. I remember my wife, Anne-Marie, telling me about her visit to her first grade classroom and engaging students on the subject of science.

At the dedication former superintendent Jim Garvey who brought Dr. Loughlin into administration to be part of his team called her a “dynamic” teacher and one who had the ability to reach all of her students. Her former students in the audience certainly agreed with that statement for Ben Monfredo, who had her at North High in the 60’s stated, “Dr. Loughlin encouraged me to do my best and set high expectations for all of us and certainly played a role in my success as an educator and an administrator.” Other members of the class of 60 included Beth Sannella, Angela Case, Paula Police, and Pat DeSantis all outstanding retired educator praised Dr. Loughlin for making a difference in their lives and how she always taught with a sense of humor and made you feel like a VIP in her classroom.

In addition, members of the 70’s classes were also present… School Committee member Dianna Biancheria and Dr. Richard Howarth, now a science teacher at North High, both described her as inspirational. Another 70’s student was Rob Pezzella, School Safety Director for the Worcester Public Schools, and was a student in Dr. Loughlin’s biology class. He declared, “ Her presence resonated throughout the entire student body as a teacher and as a mentor, leaving an everlasting impression on the value of education … she’ll remain first and foremost as my teacher and motivator on the path to success.”

Other speakers included School Committee member Brian O’Connell and Superintendent Maureen Binienda. Mr. O’Connell, after the ceremony, called the event a wonderful and most fitting tribute to a lady who truly embodies the very best qualities of Worcester Public education. Superintendent Binenda , who worked with Dr. Loughlin at South High, remembers her leading the AP biology class in singing a song about the bones and that her unique style made her such an effective teacher.

The event was outstanding as person after person recalled an occasion with Dr. Loughlin. Former teacher and School Committee Member Dottie Hargrove spoke about the many “Project Fairs” within the Worcester Public Schools and the role that Dr. Loughlin played in making the events successful. A special thank you goes out to Dr Helen Friel who organized the reception with her office staff and did a marvelous job with all the details of the event.

The library plaque, now affixed on the wall, reads…

DR. DEIRDRE J. LOUGHLIN LIBRARY

Name in honor of an outstanding, dynamic and dedicated

Teacher and administrator

Who represented the highest ideals of the profession

Dedicated … June 21, 2016

“it is difficult to say what is impossible for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.” – Robert H. Goddard

Congratulations, Dr. Loughlin, for you have touched and made a difference in the lives of many!