“It’s hard to believe a city with
such civic pride and high achievement has gone without a formal Hall of Fame
for this long.” So opened the first-ever Woburn Hall of Fame Induction event,
held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Hilton Boston/Woburn. A collaborative effort by the Woburn
Community Educational Foundation and Woburn Memorial High School set out to
change that, and establish an institution to honor and recognize those
individuals whose integrity, achievements, sportsmanship and character have
enhanced the overall educational experience of our youth and inspired pride in
our schools and community.
The inaugural induction event
attracted almost 300 Woburn alumni and community members for this reunion and
celebration of Tanner Pride. Emceed by
Alex Thomas, the event, through video interviews, captured the spirit of
teamwork, talent, hard work, and community and that is the at the heart of
Woburn High.
In her opening comments, Woburn
Memorial High School Principal Jessica Callanan commended her fellow committee
members who worked to bring the program to fruition: WMHS Vice Principals Ed
Maguire and Meg Patrissi, Athletic Director Jim Duran, WCEF Board Members Mike
Martini, Don Queenin, Brian Teague, Maureen Willis, Maria Zeqo, and community
members Paul Andrews and Bob Norton.
A highlight of the evening was a
video of interviews, during which each inductee, their families and team mates
reflected on their fondest memories and the meaning of Tanner Pride. Produced by Brian Ouellette and Woburn Public
Media, the presentation was timed to each inductee announcement and in its
entirety showcases the talent, integrity and sportsmanship of this year’s inductees.
Special thanks to the event sponsors,
whose investment set a foundation upon which to build on for the future Woburn
Hall of Fame: North Suburban
Transportation, Rick Metters & Maura Embler, J. Mulkerin Realty, Northern
Bank & Trust and Winchester Cooperative Bank. Sales of ad space in the commemorative
program also contributed much to this founding effort.
In closing the Woburn Hall of Fame
event, the committee announced that there will be an induction event in
2020. Nominations are now being accepted
for the 2nd class of inductees through December 1, 2019. Community members are also being sought to
join the committee to support the success of the 20202 Event. Those interested should call Maureen at 781-281-9589.
The induction event was filmed by
Woburn Public Media. For a link to the
video, to view the Woburn Hall of Fame Event Program, order copies of the
inductee interview video or to download nomination forms for the 2020 Woburn
Hall of Fame event, please visit the Woburn Hall of Fame website at https://bit.ly/2CYX1S8.