May is always a month to show our appreciation for all that teachers do for students, families and our special community here in Holliston. Parent groups have been busy bringing refreshments, balloons and gifts to staff rooms, shout-outs to special teachers, and fundraising to support teacher grant requests for their students and classrooms.
Early in May, the Holliston Education Foundation (HEF) invited teachers and staff to nominate colleagues who were stand-outs in their schools – a program called “Spotlight on Education.” HEF received many outstanding nominations and made careful selections of recipients of the HEF Spotlight on Education award for their schools.
At Placentino Elementary, Kristin Marino was named the Spotlight recipient for her dedication to hands-on learning by growing and showing the science/technology/engineering/art/math (STEAM) tools in the PlacenTinker Makerspace. She spearheaded a concerted effort to develop activities for the youngest learners in the school – preschoolers – and continuously welcomes all participating students and teachers alike to learn by doing.
In Miller Elementary, two teachers were awarded the Spotlight honor: Jennie LoRicco 5th grade english/social studies teacher, and Kristina Kern, special education teacher: both teachers received glowing nominations for consistently going above and beyond to meet the unique needs of every student they serve. They are both the type of teacher who cares deeply for all students and are masters at building relationships with students and their families.
At Adams Middle School, two more teachers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their students and the school: Martha Going (6th grade math) and Kelli Garnhum (6th grade special educator). Their colleagues wrote: “She does this work because she genuinely loves her students, her colleagues, and her community,” and “She builds strong, positive relationships that foster trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. She is someone others naturally turn to for guidance, encouragement, and thoughtful insight.”
Finally, at Holliston High School, the Spotlight recipient this year was Mark Liberty, paraprofessional and outstanding student motivator. His nomination included these tributes: “He takes the initiative to help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and student ability – Mark not only is able to identify students who can use a little extra attention, but also has an ability and willingness to go to the next level and do whatever it takes to engage students.”
HEF proudly held a Spotlight on Education ceremony for these wonderful teachers and their colleagues and families on May 5th to celebrate teachers who have figured out how to turn the key to unlock potential in our students because “Everyone who remembers their own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.” – quotation from the philosopher, Sidney Hook. This idea embodies the character of our 2026 Spotlight winners. They were all nominated for their abilities to provide an inclusive, collaborative and safe place for students and adults alike to learn and thrive. They are talented and engaging professionals and easily connect with their students and colleagues by nurturing relationships and sharing ideas every day in our schools and we are lucky to have them here in Holliston.
Teachers like these, and their colleagues who provide the heart and soul of our Holliston schools deserve our gratitude and support. Families and community members can contribute to our great teachers and schools through celebrations like Spotlight and fundraising events to provide grants to help them create new activities and learning strategies for our young learners. After the Spotlight awards, HEF opened the doors at Anthony’s on the Green on May 9th to a “Strutting for Schools” dinner-dance event for parents and the community. In the spirit of learning, the main event was a line dance lesson, provided by Lisa Abbascia, owner and dance teacher of the former Backstage Dance school in Ashland. Learning (and doing) was the program of the night. Along with help from the Special Education Parents Advisory Coalition (SEPAC) committee, HEF raised funds through auction items, tickets and a raffle all in support of the schools and teachers who prepare all of our students for their futures.
HEF has been supporting the good ideas of the Holliston faculty and staff for the past 30 years to fund and promote innovation and creativity in our schools and classrooms, thanks to our major sponsor, the Middlesex Savings Bank. Last year we funded grants to support projects in the Placentino MakerSpace, language translation tools for Miller classrooms and Chill Room enhancements at Miller to promote calming and focus, as well as upgraded CPR teaching tools at the Adams Middle School
“Friends of SEPAC” is a committee within HEF – specifically working to support the educational goals and needs of the special education programs in our schools. Started in 2021, “SEPAC Gives Back” is an annual grant for families of children that receive special education or support services through Holliston Public Schools. Holliston Public School staff who provide special education services may also apply. In 2023, the SEPAC Gives Back program was able to award 37 grants to families and educators – more than double of our first two years combined! Parents or caregivers of Holliston Public School students receiving special education or support services can apply for grant money based on a specific need or item that student may need. Holliston Public School staff providing these services can also apply for grant money for a specific item for a classroom or for a student. Grants can range from $25-$200 per family or classroom. Parents and community members can contribute to the Holliston Education Foundation or the SEPAC programs by reaching out to volunteer at our websites or contributing on our donations pages. Visit our websites to find out more about these enrichment grants at www.HollistonEdFoundation.org as well as www.HollistonSEPAC.org.
“HEF board left to upper right – Heidi Gibson, Arlan Wasik, Aaron Snyder. Awardees from left to right – Mark Liberty, Kelli Garnham, Jennie LoRicco, Martha Going, Kristina Kern, and Kristin Marino.”
“Dancing to “Fireball” by Pitbull”
