March 29, 2024

Former EP Educators to be Inducted in EPHS Hall of Fame

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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.

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 began a 34 year teaching career in East Providence after graduating from R.I.C. She was known as one of the most energetic teachers and volunteers in the city. 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 her former principal, Stanley Traverse. She was also known for lessons which were founded on active participation and inquiry. "Students were never bored in her classrooms." In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Vinhateiro volunteered to direct school plays and musicals. An annual holiday musical called "Cool Yule" was performed by students from area schools under her direction. Vinhateiro continues to volunteer 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. A key volunteer for the Scout Lyons benefit, she was active with "Have a Heart-Line a Cupboard" food charity. Currently, Vinhateiro is involved with the Bristol Food Pantry/Meal Site which opens soon at St. Brendan's. Vinhateiro is also a past member of the Providence College faculty and is a past supervisor of P.C. student teachers.

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 Mens 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.

Also inducted will be Townie greats: Harry Edmonds, Class of 1956, Deborah Perry, Class of 1980, John Caruolo, Class of 2009!

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