March 28, 2024

31st EPHS Hall of Fame Ceremony - October 26th!

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31st Annual EPHS Hall of Fame Induction

The 31st annual East Providence High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 26th, 2014 at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea, Massachusetts. The event is open to the public and tickets are available at the high school main office. Tickets are $40. each and include a full dinner. Reception is at 12 noon and dinner at 1:00 p.m. Tickets can also be obtained from Don and Linda Carlson by calling 401-433-3693. Tickets can be obtained through Monday, October 17th, 2014. Hall of Fame

inductee, Dr. Kenneth R. Walker, EPHS class of 1949, retired East Providence school administrator, Rhode Island College professor and retiring Chairman of the R.I. Parole Board will be Master of Ceremonies.

The Hall of Fame was created and initiated by former Superintendent of Schools, Myron J. Francis, Class of 1947, and was instituted in 1984 in conjunction with the East Providence High School Centennial Year Celebration. Francis was also 1947 EPHS class president. The Hall was designed to recognize distinguished TOWNIE graduates who have brought honor to themselves and to the high school.

The six 2014 inductees are: Harry Edmonds, Class of 1956; Judith Richardson, Class of 1965; Stephanie Vinhateiro, Class of 1966; Deborah Perry, Class of 1980, John Caruolo, Class of 2009 and John Pavao, Honorary category. The 2014 Inductees:

Harry Edmonds was an outstanding athlete at East Providence High School and beyond. He excelled in baseball, basketball and football during high school. In 1954, he was the first Rhode Island sophomore since Ernie Calvary in 1940, to be named first string all-league in basketball. He routinely was one of the state's highest basketball scorers each game. Edmonds went on to have a successful basketball career at the University of Rhode Island. Edmonds also became an accomplished area golfer in later years and won the 1993 Boston Open. "Edmonds is a marked man by all opposing teams in the state playoffs," said a 1950's Providence Journal headline referring to the respect in which Edmonds was shown by other teams. In championship action, Dick Reynolds of the Journal wrote that, "East Providence fans were wild about Harry Edmonds as the sharp-shooting soph tallied 25 points..." 5000 fans crowded the URI gymnasium to watch the tournament. While at URI, Edmonds was touted as the "sensational sophomore from East Providence whose 28 points were instrumental in URI beating Brown University." Edmonds enjoyed a successful career in business management, at both Sears and Home Depot. At age 57 he won the Boston Open Golf Tournament. "Edmonds won the tourney by a whopping six strokes," said a Boston headline report. Central Junior High Principal, Emery Hall wrote a letter to Harry's father in which he commended Harry for "doing exceptionally good academic work in school. It is a pleasure for faculty to work with him...he will do well at the high school."

Judith Richardson was a successful student leader while at EPHS. Classmates and friends described her as "one to whom others looked to for guidance and support. Richardson was a member of many clubs in high school including the Future Teachers of America, the Math & Science Club and Junior Alliance Francais. She was an Honor Roll student in the accelerated program. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College she became one of East Providence's most successful educators. Upon completion of 17 years as a beloved teacher at Platt-Watters and Waddington Schools, Richardson was appointed Principal of Oldham School. Oldham was an extremely large school, growing in size and drawing pupils from a wide range of socio economic backgrounds. Richardson took an active role in educational leadership as she participated in many school improvement curriculum efforts. She also has successfully written many educational grants intended to enhance the professional growth of area teachers. Richardson was also asked to take the principalship of the Orlo Avenue School in the city. As a respected school principal she sought and encouraged parental involvement in all schools. Richardson's Principal's Advisory Group was considered a model for the system. Richardson began her career in East Providence as a Kindergarten student and retired after a stellar 30 year teaching and administrative career. After retiring, she was asked to become a Principal in Somerset, Massachusetts. For the next 12 years Richardson was at the helm of the Chace Street School. When she retired 'again' in 2011, she was highly praised: "It's a tremendous loss for the school district," Somerset School Superintendent Richard Medeiros said. "She is a tremendous educational leader." During her time at the Chace Street School, an extended preschool program was started, there have been continuous changes in the school's education curriculum, an increase in the use of technology and a growth in the understanding of individual needs with emotional social needs.

Stephanie Vinhateiro was an active student at EPHS belonging to the Future Teachers of America, the French Club and various senior class committees. She participated in intramural athletics. After graduating from Rhode Island College she began a 34 year career of teaching in East Providence. She was known as one of the city's most energetic teachers and volunteers. Parents annually requested that their children be assigned to "Mrs. V's" classroom. She became a Head Teacher which involved additional supervisory responsibilities. "As the principal in the school where Stephanie was head teacher, I witnessed firsthand her keen decision making capacity. She revealed an analytically perceptive quality to issues requiring an immediate action," said former Principal Stanley Traverse. Vinhateiro was also known for classroom lessons which were founded on active participation and inquiry. "Students were never bored in her classrooms." In addition to her daily teaching responsibilities, Vinhateiro volunteered her time to direct school plays and musicals. An annual holiday musical called "Cool Yule" was performed by students from area schools under her direction. Vinhateiro has and continues to volunteer countless time to the community. She was former secretary of the Citizens Scholarship Foundation of EP, and a member of the group helping to renovate the high school gymnasium, a member of the Friends of Townie Athletics (FTA) active with the annual golf tournament. The FTA provides dinners and championship awards for winning school athletic teams. She was also very active in groups such as the Rumford Junior and Wampanoag Women's Clubs, and helps to raise funds for AYSO. She volunteers at area nursing homes and was a key volunteer for the Scout Lyons benefit. She has been active with food drives like the "Have a Heart-Line a Cupboard" charity. Currently, Vinhateiro is involved with the Bristol Food Pantry/Meal Site which opens soon at St. Brendan's. Vinhateiro is a past member of the Providence College faculty and retired as supervisor of PC student teachers.

Deborah L. Perry is President and CEO of YWCA Rhode Island, the third oldest YWCA in the country whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Perry, a role model for young women, began her service with YWCA Northern Rhode Island close to two decades ago. During her tenure Perry brokered the merger of RI’s only two YWCA’s, created RI’s first virtual charter school for at risk youth. Perry was instrumental in the establishment of two statewide organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, and co-created She Shines, a statewide magazine honoring the aspirations and accomplishments of women. Under Perry’s leadership the YWCA has received various awards and recognition including the prestigious Metcalf Award for Diversity in Journalism and Rhode Island Quality Institute award for outstanding community service. Perry is a Rhode Island Foundation Fellow, Women’s Fund of RI Fellow, Rhode Island Foundation Mentor, recipient of Woonsocket’s George Nasuti award for community service, finalist for the prestigious Rhode Island Foundation Innovation Award and recipient of the National Silent Witness Project, RI Chapter Person of Peace Award. While at East Providence high School she was an all-state athlete, co-captain of the track and field team; all-state javelin thrower and all division discus thrower and played softball. She is a 1984 graduate of Drake University where she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society, served as the student representative on the University Athletic Council, participated in varsity track and field and club soccer, and served as president of the association for women students. She attended graduate school at the University of Iowa, receiving a graduate fellowship and majoring in community and regional planning, and was previously employed as a city planner in numerous RI communities including East Providence, Charlestown, North Smithfield and Woonsocket.

John Pavao is a retired legendary band and choral director for East Providence High School. Pavao was hired to teach classes in Music Theory and Music Harmony and to lead the Sophomore Girls Chorus and male singers. Pavao came to EPHS in 1959, just a few years after the "new" high school opened on Pawtucket Avenue. In a short time, Pavao developed an elite boys' choir called the Crimson Men's Chorus and developed an extensive music program at the high school. For five years the Crimson Men won top prizes in New England Music competitions. Alongside nationally renowned EPHS band director, Dr. Stephen Farnum and Choral Director Richard Fairbanks, Pavao helped to make EPHS a powerhouse for music in New England high schools. When Dr. Farnum retired in 1969, John Pavao was made the full time band director. Pavao still taught the Crimson Men Choir and all instrumentals. The high school music program grew tremendously under Pavao. He founded the Double Brass Choir, the Stage Band, the Dixie Stage Band and a vibrant marching band - the envy of all Rhode Island high school bands. As the marching band delighted Townie crowds at football games, Pavao added flag corps, a rifle guard, baton twirlers and a color guard. Saturday mornings and soon Friday evenings at Pierce Stadium was the place to be. Just as Dr. Farnum's bands did, the Pavao bands competed in and won many all state awards throughout New England. John Pavao was important to the high school through changing times. With double sessions, there were two bands, etc. He actually repaired and built instruments when the city couldn't afford it. Pavao bands at Memorial Day Parades, the city's bicentennial program, new city hall dedication, new school construction and the Townie Pride Parade of 1984. After 28 years at EPHS, Pavao was an alternative career counselor at Bristol County Agricultural High. He was Gender Equity Project Director, Recruiter and Public Relations Director. He also was an interim director for the Cumberland Lincoln Community Chorus and arranged music for Sacred Heart Church in EP and other area churches. "Through Mr. Pavao, came a love for music that stays with me forever," is a sentiment echoed by many of Pavao's former students.

John Caruolo, class of 2009, is an automatic inductee to the EPHS Hall of Fame by virtue of his Journal-Bulletin Honor Roll Student-Athlete award upon graduation from EPHS. This award is given to the single boy and girl with the highest combination of academics and athletics in Rhode Island. It is one of the oldest continual programs in the country honoring outstanding athletic and academic achievement by high school students. John Caruolo was the top male student-athlete in Rhode Island for 2009. He was an All-Stater on a state championship volleyball team and also an all-division selection for a state championship Townie football team. He was selected as a National Football Foundation Golden Dozen Scholar Athlete member. He was a captain for football, basketball and volleyball. John was also senior class valedictorian. He graduated from Brown University and presently is a Legal Assistant with the law firm MINTZ LEVIN, located in Boston, Ma. EPHS and LaSalle have the most Journal honor roll recipients in RI with 8 each. Prior EP winners are: '27-Fred Mulvey, '40-Charles Bentley, '48-Richard Collins, '51-William Schifino, '81-Timothy Army, '82-Theresa Moore, '08-Nathan Lovett and '09-John Caruolo.

The Hall of Fame Committee invites everyone to help honor these 2014 inductees by attending this year’s ceremony. Any EPHS graduate is welcomed to join the Hall of Fame Committee. Anyone, including non-graduates can nominate someone for Hall of Fame consideration. Nomination forms are available at East Providence High School or by emailing bobrodericks@gmail.com.

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