Burrillville’s Ducharme to get plaque
Longtime educator being recognized for his 63 years of work with school
BURRILLVILLE — Crediting longtime Burrillville educator and coach George P. Ducharme with serving as a role model and mentor to thousands of students, the School Committee last week announced that a plaque honoring Ducharme’s 63 years of service to the school district will be placed on the wall outside the high school auditorium.
Ducharme, a 1948 graduate of Burrillville High School and award-winning athlete, went on to become the high school’s vice principal and principal from 1966 to 1985. Today, Ducharme, 87, still substitutes as principal when duty calls within the Burrillville school district. He is a military veteran, mentor, and a valued member of the community for the past 63 years.
“He sure has impacted my life,” School Committee member John Karmozyn said at last week’s meeting, where Ducharme was also presented with a citation from the committee.
“His honesty, wit and true caring for his family and the kids of Burrillville really says a lot about him,” Karmozyn said. “His
longevity, dedication and strong advocacy for Burrillville schools is impressive.”
The committee had originally proposed hanging a plaque in his honor at the newly renovated field house, but School Supt. Frank Pallotta suggested instead that it be hung on the wall next to the high trophy case outside the auditorium. The trophy case houses plaques and trophies of student athletes throughout the history of the high school.
“This is actually better because it will be in the building he worked in,” Karmozyn said.
Ducharme attended the Harrisville Grammar School in 1936 and graduated from Burrillville High School in 1948.
He graduated from Providence College in 1952, a year after he entered the Army in 1951.
Ducharme began his teaching career at the Pascoag Grammar School in 1954, and began coaching at Burrillville High School in 1955.
He coached and won the high school baseball division championships in 1962 and 1963, and the baseball high school championship in 1963.
He was principal at Burrillville Junior High School from 1965 to 1985. He retired in 1985, but was a substitute for 32 years. All in all, Ducharme worked fulltime and part-time for the Burrillville School District for 63 years.
Wright’s Farm Restaurant in Burrillville offers the annual George P. Ducharme Scholarship, which is a $5,000 scholarship open to Burrillville High School graduating seniors who have been accepted to a U.S.based four-year college or university.
The selection criteria is based on demonstrated achievement and need; academic and personal recommendations; academic and personal achievements; school and community involvement; and additional factors as determined by the George P. Ducharme Scholarship Committee.
“He sure has impacted my life... His honesty, wit and true caring for his family and the kids of Burrillville says a lot about him.” —John Karmozyn, School Committee