EPHS Band Room Named For Rick Vars by School Board

The East Providence School Committee voted unanimously at its' May 12th meeting to memorialize the prestigious East Providence High School band room in the name of Rick Vars. Vars is the retired band director and music educator for the high school and previously Martin Jr. High. During the last year, Vars has been fighting brain cancer and is now on hospice. A group of Vars' former students and colleagues asked the school committee to recognize his accomplishments and name the high school band room in his honor. The high school band room has been the home of iconic band directors Stephen Farnum, Jack McNamara and John Pavao. It is now called the "Rick Vars Band Room". Board chairman Charles Tsonos announced that the committee would entertain public comments on naming of any part of a school facility according to school committee policy. "I'm here tonight to speak on behalf of a former colleague, Rick Vars, our former high school band director and fine arts music director. As you know he is suffering from brain cancer and unable to be here with us tonight," said retired teacher George Sarganis. "I'm here to speak about Rick Vars, the man. He teaches from the heart. He is a very passionate and caring teacher who has done so much for the youth of East Providence. Rick believed that a child who shows heart and desire could do anything they want to do. He believes that tests don't show everything," said Sarganis. "He was impressed with Townie Pride, even more so than many of our own Townies ever did. Rick considers himself a Townie, even though he never lived in East Providence." Sarganis asked the committee to "carry on his legacy by naming the band room in his honor." Tabitha Watjen is a teacher at East Providence High School and also spoke. "I first met Rick Vars when I was a student at Martin Junior High School. I was a chorus student and loved Mr. Vars. Later at the high school I coached the flag corps under his direction. Over 300 former students came together with facebook to offer praise and prayers for Rick. He has impacted the lives of so many. I also ask you to honor Rick Vars tonight," said Watjen. "I don't know of anyone who has more Townie Pride than Rick Vars." The committee appeared to be very moved by the testimony as they listened in rapt attention as did those in the audience. The next speaker was current Martin Middle School band director Susana Aguiar Pimentel. "As well as supporting this request to name the high school band room for Rick Vars, as a tribute to Mr. Vars and all of his contributions during his tenure at Martin Middle School, we are instituting an award in his honor. The Richard M. Vars Outstanding Service and Spirit Award will be given annually to an 8th grade Martin Middle School Band student who will be recognized for displaying some of Mr. Vars' best qualities," said Pimentel. "The recipient will be someone who "exhibits a tremendous love and passion for the art of music, demonstrates on-going dedication and commitment to the program, and serves as a role-model who is looked up to by others." Aguiar Pimentel was a member of the Martin band directed by Rick Vars in the early 1990's and later was a band member at East Providence High School, graduating in 1998. Former Martin Junior High Principal, John Rezendes was another speaker. "I was fortunate to have been his Principal when he was hired and for all of his years at Martin," said Rezendes. "Rick is a person of great character and wonderful teacher as well as a great role model for students. The young musicians he taught played music at a level well above their age," offered Rezendes. "This is in large part due to the enthusiasm he transferred to his kids. They loved him and we ask you to consider this request," added the former Principal. Long time former band director at both Martin and East Providence High School, Jack McNamara gave an impassioned testimony on behalf of Rick Vars. "I've worked with Rick for a long time. I first met him when he was sent to Martin to observe us. He worked at another district at the time. To meet him for 20 minutes you felt like you knew him a lifetime," said McNamara. "Rick was so impressed with East Providence that he eventually jumped at the chance to work here. The rest is history. East Providence and Rick Vars was such a perfect fit. He is the consummate teacher, the consummate gentleman." After the speakers were done, the school committee continued to praise Rick Vars. "I hope we can see our way clear to honor Mr. Vars appropriately," said committee member Nathan Cahoon. On a motion by member Joel Monteiro, "I move this issue for obvious reasons", and seconded by Nathan Cahoon, the committee unanimously approved the naming of the high school band room in honor of Rick Vars. The applause was mixed with tears as the speakers supporting Rick Vars embraced each other.

(This article was written after the May 12th School Committee meeting. Rick Vars passed away at 1:45 a.m., May 14th. His wife Claudia, was able to tell him about the Band Room naming in his honor, to which he smiled and responded, "that is really nice.")