For immediate release

MARLBOROUGH — Superintendent-Director Ernest F. Houle is delighted to share that students, staff, faculty, alumni, and members of the community recently gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. 

On Friday, Nov. 3, members of the community gathered in the school’s auditorium to recognize “50 Years of Excellence” at a building rededication ceremony for Assabet’s 50th anniversary. 

The ceremony opened with remarks from Superintendent-Director Houle and School Committee Chair Virginia Simms George, who both thanked the various groups and individuals who have contributed to the school’s success since its opening in 1973.

One of these major contributors was the second Superintendent-Director of Assabet, David Tobin, who spoke at the event. He gave a brief history of Assabet, expressed his awe at its exponential success, and congratulated all members of the surrounding communities and dedicated staff who worked to make the school what it is today.

As part of the ceremony, local legislators — Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Sen. Robyn Kennedy, Sen. Michael Moore, Rep. Kate Donaghue, and Rep. Kate Hogan — were invited to give remarks and present citations to Assabet Tech on behalf of the State Senate and House of Representatives. 

Guests and attendees then gathered outside the auditorium to view Assabet’s newly designed 50th-anniversary logo, which was unveiled by Assabet alumni.

Over the years, Assabet has received a total of $7 million dollars from the state to be put toward its Career and Technical Education equipment and programs. With recent funding, Assabet conducted shop renovations to help improve its offerings.

Superintendent-Director Houle was joined by students, teachers, alumni, legislators, and staff for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Cosmetology shop. Following the ribbon cutting, students acted as tour guides for guests and attendees to explore the other five newly renovated shops: HVAC, Plumbing, Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Technology, and Metal Fabrication. During the tours, guests were able to speak with students and instructors about their projects and experiences at Assabet.

As part of the 50-year celebration, Assabet was given a gift from Harriet Goodwin – the spouse of one of the school’s founding members Dean Goodwin – one of the original shovels used at the school’s groundbreaking. Additionally, the school has converted the glass case in the lobby into a time capsule.

“It takes a village to do what we’ve done here at Assabet. Thank you to our passionate and dedicated staff, and to our alumni, who are still connected to one another, our program advisors, industry supporters, and to our surrounding communities for which we are very grateful. Without these folks, the District would not continue to flourish,” said Superintendent-Director Houle. “It is very clear that people believe in this type of organization. Assabet has always been innovative, and we’ve raised our standard and hit a home run. In the next 50 years, we will continue to provide the highest quality of education for our students.”