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Honored

Putnam Science Academy Headmaster Donald Cushing, right, was recently honored for his 50 years in education. At left is President Tiequang Ding. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Donald Cushing has been the headmaster of Putnam Science Academy since October and during those brief two months he’s helped to organize the school and rejuvenate many of the efforts of its predecessor school.

Last week the school and its President Tiequang Ding honored Cushing in part for his work at the school but also for a significant milestone in his educational career.  Cushing is celebrating 50 years in education, a career that’s taken him from the classroom, to administration offices in Massachusetts with a stop in the high school and college coaching ranks.

He was honored in the presence of the administration, faculty, staff and his family.  The brief ceremony came as a complete surprise to the 72-year-old Cushing.  In addition to a cake marking his anniversary, the members of the basketball team presented him with an autographed basketball, signed by the coaching staff and team members.

“I have a number of mementoes of my career but this basketball will hold a significant place in my office and in my heart.  I’m pleased to be here at Putnam Science Academy and look forward to leading it to new heights,” said Cushing. 

A graduate of Worcester State University, where he was a star on the basketball court and captain of the Lancers, Cushing began his educational journey as a teacher/coach at Bartlett High School in Webster.  Over a period of years he eventually rose to become the principal of the school.

After retiring from public education he was lured from his rocking chair and assumed the position of principal of St. Joseph’s Parochial School in Webster.  Just when he thought his days in education were over, he was asked to assist Putnam Science Academy in its endeavor to become a certified preparatory school.

Cushing, who one time also served as assistant basketball coach at Worcester State University, has taken the leadership role on the Putnam campus with the same vigor he approached his previous administrative roles.  Although the school currently has a student population of 17, primarily basketball players, Cushing is optimistic that by next year the school population will increase. The educational emphasis will remain on science, technology and mathematics with an increased level of attention on social sciences.

The mission also includes enhanced partnership and cooperation between the school personnel, students, parents and community.  In this area the students recently visited three local nursing facilities, where they shared their goodwill by singing Christmas carols to the residents.  They visited The Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Putnam, Westview Health Care Center in Dayville and Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. Cushing may have 50 years of experience in education under his belt but his enthusiasm for the mission and vision of Putnam Science Academy and its success appears to be at a level equivalent to the first day he stepped into the classroom at Bartlett High School.