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Vol. 2, No. 49
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Friday, December 8, 2017
High school students and staff Holiday Torch Run has successful third year answer question: Why Peabody High? By Christopher Roberson
T
he Special Olympics of Massachusetts joined with local law enforcement agencies once again this year to host the Third Annual Holiday Torch Run on Dec. 3. “The law enforcement community and Special Olympics have a long-standing and significant relationship,” said Police Chief Thomas Griffin. “We are proud to support the Special Olympics and their mission of inclusion. We are honored to call them a partner and host this event in our community.” Megan Hoffman, assistant vice president of Development for the Andrew Levin of Peabody Special Olympics, said completes the final stretch of the race was held for the Holiday Torch Run Sunday, 20 years in Danvers and December 3. (Advocate photo was known as the Jolly by Christopher Roberson) Jaunt. When the Danvers venue was no longer available, she said, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Program and the Analogic Corporation took the initiative to bring the event to Peabody. “Analogic completely opened their doors to us,” said Hoffman. “It’s absolutely amazing what the law enforcement community is capable of.” In addition, Hoffman highlighted some differences between the Torch Run and other 5K races. “This is a very festive race, it’s not your typical 5K,” she said, adding that Santa Claus and The Grinch arrived in a police helicopter. She also said that more than 55 North Shore restaurants donated food for the event. Timothy Allen, 23, of Methuen won the race this year with a time of 18 minutes, 45 seconds. He was followed by Thomas Lambert, 23, of Somerville, who recorded a time of 19 minutes, 25 seconds. Logan Tracia, 12, was the top finisher for Peabody with a time of 20 minutes, 37 seconds and finished in eighth place overall. Ward 2 Councillor Peter McGinn also competed in the race. Thomas Lunt of Peabody said the race was the perfect length for him. “I was very glad when they didn’t go all the way to Forest Street,” he said. “I haven’t run in a few years; this was a good one to come back to.” Petru Lauric of Medford said he appreciated the clear conditions. “It was perfect weather for running,” he said. Michael Deluca said he travelled 65 miles from Northbridge to participate in his first Torch Run. “The course was awesome,” he said. This year’s race raised a total of $54,341. Anika Currie was the top individual fundraiser with $2,280. The top fundraising team was the Nashoba Shooting Stars Alpine Ski Team with $18,386.
HOLIDAY TORCH RUN | SEE PAGE 6
By Christopher Roberson
D
espite the growing popularity of Essex North Shore Technical High School, there is still quite a bit going on four miles down the road at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School (PVMHS). This was made resoundingly clear by students, teachers and administrators during this year’s rendition of “Why Peabody High?” During the Nov. 30 event, Principal Eric Buckley said that in prior years, the program primarily consisted of a question and answer session with a group of panelists. However, in effort to attract more eighth grade students, Buckley said, he decided to change the format this year to include a number of different tours led by students currently attending PVMHS. There were also numerous department displays set up in the school’s Main Street corridor. One of the better-known classrooms to be shown was that of history teacher Abbie Gore, whose ceiling is covered with stars bearing the names of deceased veterans. “What makes this place special is its kids and its staff ; there’s a lot of good people up here,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Herbert Levine. He also said the high school currently offers 19 Advanced Placement courses, which is more than any other school on the North Shore. “This is a place that hums,” said Levine. In addition, the high school offers five Career and Technical Education Programs, 24 varsity sports pro-
High School Guidance Director Robert Quist was one of the many department heads on hand to speak with eighth grade students and their families during the “Why Peabody High?” event on Nov. 30. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson)
HIGH SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 2
Historical Society hosts Christmas Open House at Brooksby Farm
Shown during the Peabody Historical Society’ Christmas Open House at Brooksby Farm on Dec. 3are, from left to right, Historical Society Members Richard Belanger, Joanne Moroney, Margeret Abott and Daniel Doucette. See more photo highlights inside on page 4. (Advocate photo by Chris Roberson)