President’s Message – April 2024
How Many Students Can Our Support Reach?
Did you ever wonder why we write a monthly missive to you, our alumni? Ever wonder how we come up with interesting ideas in our newsletters; as many of you have told us you like so much?
Our goal is to keep you informed of English High School happenings as well as your Alumni Association’s support for our Alma Mater. Of course, we always remind you of our need to establish ‘sustained giving’ now and for future generations of alums. Especially in light of domestic and world issues swirling around. We and the students always welcome and very much appreciate your generosity. We thank you for all the ideas which have been sent in to enlighten us.
Today, I’m highlighting some of the many things we’re doing to expand our Association and support the school, the faculty and students. Some you’ve heard before and others are new. Here are some of the programs that you may choose to support
New Programs: Looking for New Funding from Alumni
Senior Class Trip: We are looking to raise funding for 100 Class of 2024 students to attend their senior trip to Six Flags. Remember, this is for the 200th Graduation Class of our English High School! Let’s send them off with a memorable gift, from you, the Association. Fundraising needed: $5,800.
Revitalize the English High Annual Sports Banquet: We want to show English High athletes that the alumni are behind their dedication with an English High Sports Banquet to remember.This year, EHSA will provide sports apparel for all English student-athletes. Fundraising needed: $10,500
Upgrade Furniture in the Library and Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center: These are important student ‘comfort zones” on campus and are badly in need of new couches, chairs and other furnishing to enhance the student experiences. Fundraising needed: $4,500.
Host English Ballplayers at Fenway: EHSA would like to host a post-season trip to Fenway for a Red Sox game for both the Boys’ Varsity Baseball and Girls’ Softball teams who are having very successful seasons. Fundraising needed: $2,600.
Ongoing Programs That Continue to Need Your Support
Senior Awards’ Night provides excitement and support with as many scholarships to as many students as possible. Alumni-generated funding totals near the range of $10,000-12,000 mark, in direct financial aid to students.
Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center: Our ongoing support of the AFTC, fully funded by the EHSA, includes $50,000 for the Center’s Director and other expenses. We have provided computers, printers and other equipment plus funding each year for two Stella & Emmanuel Mavridis scholarships of $2,000 each. Fundraising needed: $56,000.
Big Game Breakfast: Come and join us at the IHOP restaurant on Soldiers Field Road, Brighton this year. Tradition has it that EHSA picks up the tab for Alumni who gather there for breakfast before the English vs. Latin football game on Thanksgiving Day. While not a huge crowd, these are true Blue & Blue fans, thankful to be there for the Biggest Game of the Year. Fundraising required $375.
Late-Breaking News! – A $60,000 Matching Gift
A generous alumni benefactor is asking all English Alumni to donate a gift to the Association and this individual will match it – – up $60,000 –this year. This means your gift of any size will be doubled!
Many have taken advantage of this matching gift in the past but this year we’ll reward you with an added bonus gift. Receive an E Cap, Flashlight, Magnet, Pen and 200th Anniversary Pin for your gift of $100 or more. A great way to show your English High pride.
Thanks, for your endless and generous support. I hope to see many of you, especially those from the Class of 1974, at English High School’s 200th Commencement Ceremony taking place June 7th, at 3:30pm at the Boston Convention Center. If you are interested and need details, call our office at 857-547-1391.
Wishing both our Boston sports teams good luck in the playoffs!
Cheers,
Mike Thomas, ’67
President & CEO
The English High School Association
mthomas@englishhighalumni.org
PS: The English High School Association of Boston is a 501 C 3 organization and any gift, small or large, is fully is deductible. We are committed to provide resources to English High School, its students and teachers and to serve our loyal alumni – that’s you!
A Special Report: Greece Is Not Far from Our Thoughts
George and I attending a Harvard Hockey game.
Although not on most US calendars, on March 24th some of us celebrated Greek Independence Day. In this case it was at the behest of George Mavridis, benefactor of the English High School Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center. George is of a first-generation Greek immigrant family whose father, Emmanuel, graduated from English High circa 1926. George is also a major benefactor of the Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center (AFTC) and sponsor of the Stella & Emmanuel Mavridis Scholarship given each year to English High graduating seniors.
When George invited a group of friends to the Grecian Diner Restaurant on Route 1 Peabody for lunch, we could figure out that it was a nice spring-like gathering several of his friends and colleagues. It was also his way of celebrating his 85th birthday, a day later.
It was an eclectic group:
Gina M. Terenzi DMD, Professor, Department of Public Health and Community Service, at Tufts Dental School
Catherine ‘Cathi’ Gover, a paralegal with EOHHS of the Commonwealth and husband Gerard Grover. Cathi is on George’s Foundation Board.
David Hart works for the Human Services division of EOHHS, he is also a major advocate for intellectually disabled people. Sits on George’s Board also
Elizabeth Hart is the founder of Tailored for Success, PO Box 527, Malden, MA 02148. They do several other things helping woman get back in the work force.
Christine DeRose is George’s second cousin and the parts manager of a Honda or Toyota dealership near Fresh Pond in Cambridge. Today ownership revolves around Chris who has been the parts manager since she graduated.
Sage Marsters, Director, Alumni and Friends Tutoring Center, English High School.
Denise Capozzoli, Mike Thomas’s other better half.
Mike Thomas, English Alumni, President and CEO
Lots of Gyros, Greek salads, feta cheese and laughs. Most of us had smart phone cameras but no one took a photo of the group! Can you believe it?
For all who may read this before May 2nd, give a shout out of support for George who is undergoing knee replacement surgery on this day. Believe it or not, for an 85-year-old it is ‘routine’ and ‘outpatient’ surgery.
I’m sure George will be back working at Brooksby Village’s Treasure Chest in no time! Thanks, George for your friendship, largess and keen engineer-type mind.
