WESTFIEL D – Thursday was Jack Dougherty Day at Westfield High School, as announced by the new sign in front of the school. The longtime educator, who served as vice principal at the school since November of 2001, recently announced that he would be retiring on Jan. 1. To celebrate the day, staff and students dressed in khakis and polo shirts, his signature look.
Jack Dougherty says goodbye to students, staff and friends on Thursday after 15 years at WHS. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Dougherty is also a Bomber, having graduated WHS in the Class of 1971. He did his undergraduate work at Westfield State, and graduate work at Springfield College. He said his goal was always to work at Westfield High.
Carrie Salzer, adjustment counselor, Karen Bashow, network specialist, and guidance counselors Kristin Puleo and Marylina Asselin dressed in khakis and polo shirts to honor Jack Dougherty on Thursday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
“Sixteen years of my life trying to get here until (Principal) Tom Daly took me into the fold and I knew I was home,” Dougherty said Thursday.
He had the opportunity to thank Daly himself during the surprise part of the day, an assembly held in Dougherty’s honor at 1 p.m., to which former colleagues, invited guests, students past and present, family and friends came to salute him, among them Mayor Brian P. Sullivan, and State Rep. John Velis. Tracy Donovan, his secretary for 14 ½ years, said he had no idea.
Dougherty entered the gymnasium through a line of Bomber’s cheerleaders. (Photo by Amy Porter)
“So many people have come back to honor Jack. This is great!” said guidance counselor Merylina Asselin, dressed in khakis and a polo shirt as were the rest of the counselors.
Dougherty arrived last to the gymnasium, through a line of Bomber cheerleaders waving their pom-poms. Former vice principal Kathy Hogan Friguletti, who served as emcee, invited Dougherty to the podium in the middle of the floor, surrounded by invited guests. Obviously overwhelmed with emotion, he greeted them one by one.
“Jack, today is all about you,” said Mayor Sullivan. After listing facts about Dougherty’s career, Sullivan also noted some of Dougherty’s best known sayings, including “Walk and talk, people,” and “Holy Buckets, Batman!” He then read a proclamation declaring Dec. 22 as Jack Dougherty Day in the City of Westfield. Sullivan added that the real honor was the enthusiasm and admiration that everyone in the room had for him.
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan read a proclamation declaring Dec. 22 as Jack Dougherty Day. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Westfield athletic director Eileen Flaherty thanked Dougherty for his mentorship during her first couple of years on the job, and spoke about what an asset he was to the athletic program at the school. Student athlete and senior Conner Calvenese echoed that statement.
“First, I’m going to miss you most of anyone here when I graduate,” said Calvanese “I don’t think I would have gotten out of high school without you,” Calvanese said.
The Bombers Cheerleaders lined up on the floor to do a special cheer in this honor, and Kori Bruno led the Show Choir in the song, “Best Day of my Life.”
Rep. John Velis read a citation from the House of Representatives and said, “The entire membership extends its best wishes to you.”
An emotional Lisa Strycharz and Ben Hatch, advisors to the Class of 2017, said Dougherty had been there for the class since day one, the most consistent administrator they’ve had.
Emotions ran high during the assembly. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Retired principal Thom Daly then came to the podium.
“I’m here today, because I guess I’m responsible for Jack Dougherty being here,” Daly said. He said during his time as principal, he would often go on the intercom to recognize achievements and congratulate individuals and groups, thanking them for making Westfield a little bit better.
“Jack certainly made Westfield High School a little bit better. Thank you for all you’ve done. Now it’s time for you to enjoy your retirement,” Daly said.
Jack Dougherty and secretary Tracy Donovan, who helped to keep the assembly a surprise. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Current principal Charles Jendrysik said the two words he had for Dougherty were “respect and appreciation,” and said he was grateful for the opportunity to learn from him.
“I don’t know where I’d be without your help,” Jendrysik said.
Finally, Dougherty himself took the podium, joking by starting with, “Thank you – you’re dismissed.”
“I always wanted this job, and I’m a little sad to be leaving,” Dougherty said. “Be good, be respectful, do well. Push yourself to the next level,” Dougherty told the students, many of whom lined up to give him a hug before leaving the gymnasium.
“I just appreciate my time here. The kids have always been number one,” Dougherty said following the program.
When asked, Dougherty said his future plans include helping his son Zachary with his business, Extreme Tree Service, and enjoying his son Jake and Megan’s newborn baby, Jack, his fifth grandchild.
Dougherty’s family and newest grandson Jack joined him for the celebration. (Photo by Amy Porter)
“I want to look into higher ed, and see what I can do in the collegiate level,” Dougherty said, adding that he is also looking forward to spending time with this wife Pamela and traveling.
Also on his post-retirement list are taking care of the bees in his home apiary, and going bow-hunting and fishing, a well-known pleasure parodied by the Student Council in a skit in which the only student who received a pass for absence or tardiness was the one who came in with a rod & reel from a six-day fishing trip.
