Whittier Tech Celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Honors First Induction Class of Athletic Hall of Fame

*Whittier Tech honors the first induction class of the Athletic Hall of Fame at a celebration of the school's 50th anniversary. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)*

Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to share the success of Whittier Tech's 50th anniversary celebration and ceremony for the first induction class into the Whittier Tech Athletic Hall of Fame.

Whittier Tech celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 13, at Haverhill Country Club, 58 Brickett Lane, Haverhill. More than 200 community members attended the celebration. Hall of Fame Selection Committee President Kevin Bradley was the emcee for the evening.

During the event, Whittier celebrated the 10 honorees of the first induction class of the Athletic Hall of Fame, including two teams, the 1979 football team and the 2005 girls' basketball team, two coaches, Denis Cronin and Denise Woodcock, significant contributors Ed and Patricia Penney, and five former student-athletes, Stephen K. Jayne '80, John Campbell '88, Scott LaValley '98, Alicia Cook '02, and Amanda Dennis '05. To view descriptions of each inductee, click here.

Elaine Kevgas was also honored during the ceremony for her consistent dedication to Whittier Tech since 2004. Kevgas began as a substitute teacher at Whittier after a long career teaching English in another district. She now works during the day as an assistant in Whittier’s library, afternoons as a security guard, works in the cafeteria during night school, and is a supportive presence at all Whittier events.

Kara Kosmes, Whittier Tech's Business Manager, introduced Kevgas for recognition at the ceremony. History Instructor Alex Valhouli and Principal/Assistant Superintendent Chris Laganas added well-wishes in Greek, as Kevgas is very proud of her Greek heritage and is an active member of her church.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating 50 years of Whittier Tech, which was modeled after the foundation of Haverhill Trade School, 'Enter to learn, depart to serve,'" said Superintendent Lynch. "As we look ahead to the next 50 years of 'building on generations of success,' we will strive to ensure that the students who pass through this school find that Whittier was a critical piece of their journeys into the workforce. Thank you to all who attended the celebration to support Whittier and the individuals who have contributed to its success for the past 50 years."

Whittier Tech thanks all of those involved in the success of this event including the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, President Kevin Bradley, Secretary Roxanne Grover, and members Cheryl Begin, Joseph Boland, Clint Clay, David Cunningham, Beverly DeSalvo, James Donahue, Janice McNulty, William Yameen, Michael Young, and Superintendent Lynch; Sponsors, Newburyport Bank, Complete Cleaning Co., Inc., Whittier Health Network, U-Save Sports and Apparel, Whirlaway Sports Center, and Riddell; Melissa Parino at Hampstead Print & Copy for her work creating the programs for the event; Angelo the Florist; Marcia Shoemaker at Newburyport Awards and Engraving, Haverhill Country Club Coordinator Shelby LeBlanc and her staff; members of Take Two Mike Ruggelo (retired Whittier special education teacher) and Eric McFadden, who performed at the event; and Whittier Librarian/Media Specialist Rich Porcelli for his work with video.