MARLBOROUGH – David J. Tobin recalled the early days of Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School: the shack on Route 85 in Southborough that served as the first facility, the bleachers collapsing during the school’s first graduation, the initial meetings with eighth-graders about the new high school, getting support from area communities, dealing with criticism that Assabet would be a white elephant.
Tobin served as Assabet’s second superintendent after Albert Mlawsky; his association with the school stretched back even farther.
“I was hired two years before the school opened,” he said.
The longtime school official and consultant recalled his experiences as part of the school’s 50th anniversary building rededication on Nov. 3.
Current superintendent, Ernest Houle, served as master of ceremonies. The event included a slideshow of Assabet over the past half-century, as well as a tour of some of the school’s current programs.
Several members of the City Council joined the Assabet School Committee in attending the ceremony; local legislators were also on hand to present citations from the state House and Senate.
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Throughout the ceremony, students from the design and visual program took photos and videotaped.
“It’s pretty special,” said junior Kat Godoy.
In the main lobby, Assabet alums who work at the school unveiled the school’s 50th anniversary logo. Across the way, students created a timeline highlighting the school’s history.
Near the main entrance, a trophy case has been converted into a time capsule, containing items donated by Assabet alumni – football jerseys, photos, yearbooks, newspaper articles and even the shovel used for the groundbreaking in the early 1970s.
As Assabet celebrated its past, it also showcased its present and future. A ribbon-cutting celebrated the school’s renovated cosmetology room, with most of the work done by Assabet students.
Upcoming programs
The school’s chapter of Skills USA will host an indoor craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school. There will be a variety of vendors and crafters selling candles, pottery, wood crafts, food, photography and more. Free admission, raffles and a food concession will be available.
Assabet alumni are invited to an open house on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Visit the Alumni VIP Lounge and connect with other alumni, have cake and coffee, and find out about future alumni events.
Find out more about Assabet Valley at www.assabet.org.
