Seekonk High School Seniors Commit to Pursuing Educational Career Paths During Future Teacher Signing Day Ceremony

Seekonk -- Superintendent Rich Drolet and Principal William Whalen are pleased to share that several Seekonk High School seniors have committed to pursuing an educational career path during today's Future Teacher Signing Day Ceremony.

On Friday morning, May 12, six Seekonk High School seniors who plan to pursue careers in education gathered in the high school's library to take part in the district's second Future Teacher Signing Day ceremony.

At the ceremony, Deonna Aguiar committed to studying Early Childhood Education at Bridgewater State University; Danielle Boardman committed to studying Music Education at Bridgewater State University; Kevin Crowe committed to studying Physical Education at Rhode Island College; Sydney DelMastro committed to studying Secondary Education with a focus in English at Endicott College; Morgan Silvestre Elementary Education at Bridgewater State University; and Lauren Turenne committed to studying Special Education at the College of Charleston.

Each student invited and recognized a teacher during the ceremony who had served as a mentor and inspired them to pursue an educational career path. These teachers included SHS Band Director/Music teacher John Smialek, Hurley Middle School science teacher Kristina Dieringer, high school physical education teacher and coach Jay Azulay, retired Hurley Middle School English teacher Denise Turner, Martin Elementary School first grade teacher Keri Steitz, and retired Seekonk fourth grade teacher Denise Decaporale.

"We are proud of our students and we hope this gave our future teachers the impression that going into teaching and coaching young people is a noble, exciting and rewarding career to choose," Superintendent Drolet said. "I greatly look forward to seeing the impact these students will have in their future careers as educators and I advise them to look toward those who inspired them for inspiration."

While signing ceremonies are common for college-bound student-athletes, Future Teacher Signing Day ceremonies celebrate students’ commitment to the field of education, highlight educators’ crucial work and inspiring others to become educators.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) encourages districts to host these events and Seekonk chose to hold this event during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12.

This ceremony marked the second time the district has held such an event. The first time this event was held was in 2019, but then it was canceled the past couple of years due to COVID-19.

At the event, remarks were given by Superintendent Drolet and Principal Whalen.

Superintendent Drolet would like to thank Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Zachary Waddicor, Principal Dr. Whalen, Seekonk High School Assistant Principal Matt Bosh and Seekonk High School Associate Principal for Instruction & Guidance Erica Thomas for embracing this idea and helping immensely.