BVT Peterson Day Health: Rep. Peterson had a few laughs as freshman Sara Burnell of Mendon demonstrated one of the many important skills she learned this year in the BVT Health Services program. Rep. Peterson said he “can’t thank the students and school enough” for holding “George N. Peterson, Jr. Day” in honor of his decades of public service.
UPTON – In the first event of its kind at a school recognized nationally for firsts, “George N. Peterson, Jr. Day” was recently held at Blackstone Valley Tech, where students, teachers, and administrators honored Rep. Peterson, R-Grafton, for more than 20 years of service representing the Ninth Worcester District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
The idea for “George N. Peterson, Jr. Day” was formulated shortly after Rep. Peterson announced his decision to retire at the end of his current term in office, according to Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick.
“George is the epitome of grass-roots service and support. Throughout his State House tenure, he always recognized the economic potential and impact of our graduates,” Fitzpatrick said.
Organized by Health Services instructor Georgette LeMay of Grafton, “George N. Peterson, Jr. Day” saw dozens of students offer their gratitude for Rep. Peterson’s support of Valley Tech in the form of handmade gifts and services. As he walked the halls and visited Valley Tech’s many programs, Rep. Peterson graciously accepted several tokens of appreciation such as a haircut at the Salon at BVT, a cribbage board crafted in the Manufacturing and Engineering Technology shop, and an Adirondack chair designed and built by Construction Technology students.
For his part, Rep. Peterson said that “George N. Peterson, Jr. Day” will be fondly recalled as one of many positive experiences in his long partnership with Blackstone Valley Tech.
“I’ve been a Valley Tech supporter from the get-go. My brother graduated from here,” Rep. Peterson said. “Dr. Fitzpatrick and I have been running on the same track for the past twenty years. We’ve pushed and prodded to help get the school to where it is today. It’s a marvel to see how well the students are doing.”
As his retirement draws near, Rep. Peterson said he and his wife plan on spending a few months traveling across the country. Beyond his RV adventure, Rep. Peterson said he’s not sure exactly what the future will hold, but he has no doubt that “George N. Peterson, Jr. Day” will be far from the last time he sets foot in Blackstone Valley Tech.
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of vigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.
UPTON DAILY 