WEF Honors Mr. Tom Stapleton with the Skulley Award
The Wakefield Educational Foundation hosted its 28th annual Celebration of Learning on Wednesday April 10th. WEF celebrated students, staff and volunteers and community members who exemplify the core values of their schools and go above and beyond in their efforts and contributions to the Wakefield Public Schools and the community. At the end of the program several special recognition awards were presented including the Skulley Award.
The Skulley award is a prestigious award presented in memory of William Skulley. Mr. Skulley was a Wakefield attorney and esteemed School Committee member who was a strong believer in quality public school education for Wakefield students. Mr. Skulley passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer, during which he continued to do his passionate work for the public good. The award has been presented since 1998 to individuals who have made a significant contribution to enhance the educational experience for our students. This award was last presented in 2016. Mr. Skulley’s wife, Sandra attended the Celebration of Learning and joined the presentation to Stapleton in her late husband’s honor.
WPS and WEF in partnership identified Mr. Tom Stapleton and this year’s deserving recipient who has been a tremendous supporter of the Wakefield Public Schools and Wakefield youth for several decades. Superintendent Doug Lyons spoke of Tom’s selfless service and significant impact on our community and presented the award to Mr. Stapleton.
Dr. Lyons spoke of the many ways Tom has impacted students and the community at large. “In his role as the Executive Director of WCAT, he was committed to the Wakefield Public Schools from hosting the School Committee to producing shows with our students to broadcasting Wakefield Public School events, concerts and sports.” Even in his retirement, he has continued to be active on WCAT and is on the Board of Directors for the 3rd year.
Tom worked on the Galvin Project and now in his retirement, has volunteered on the WMHS building project. Tom continues to be active in school and community activities, It’s not unusual to see him helping to film a football game on a Friday Night, participating in a Wake-Up Coalition meeting or building the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence parade float, and much more.
Lyons continued to speak of Mr Stapleton’s involvement in Rotary. “As a Wakefield Rotary member, Tom sponsored Wakefield High School Interact Club, and for several years in a row took Wakefield High Students to New York City to a conference at the United Nations. Every year Tom makes sure that every 3rd grader in Wakefield receives a dictionary, and personally gives the dictionaries to all Woodville students.”
Dr. Lyons concluded, “on behalf of our entire community, we are grateful to Tom Stapleton for his years of dedicated service and commitment to making Wakefield a better place. Thank you Tom for your profound impact on our community, and congratulations on this well-deserved honor.”
After Lyons spoke of Mr. Stapelton’s involvement and impact on the community, the Stapleton Family appeared on the stage to join in the celebration. .
To support the grant process, WEF receives generous funding from key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers including: WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar showcasing student art; the S.T.A.R.S. program recognizing exemplary WPS staff; the Online Auction and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has awarded over $690,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools since 1989. Learn more by following WEF on Twitter or Facebook, or go to WEF01880.org.