FRAMINGHAM, MA – Kudos to Mr. Robin Welch, Massachusetts Elementary School Teacher of the Year, attending a national conference of similarly honored principals in Washington, D.C. this week. His trip includes a meeting with President Bush.
Welch is the popular “singing” principal at Woodrow Wilson School on Leland St. He was once featured with his motorcycle on a “Cool Teacher” Calendar and sings in local musical theater productions.
Uma Paixao, who is this year’s recipient of the Center for Reflective Community Practice fellowship, an honor that goes to only one or two people a year, according to Caesar L. McDowell, associate professor of the practice of community development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Paixao, president of BRAMAS, also runs the Handeria Project, a cooperative among Brazilian village lace-makers.
Paixao imports and sells their clothing and linens. She is a familiar site at local craft fairs.
Michael Mahon, who has received the state’s Distinguished Service Award for attending 1000 cross-country meets in the last 20 years, putting on team banquets with his own money, buying awards, and compiling top-runner rankings that are published in the newpaper. Mahon, AKA The Can Man, is a familiar figure around town, riding his bike as he carries a large bag of cans on his back.
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