Distinguished Alumni

As stipulated in the By-Laws, the Alumni Hall of Fame is an annual award given by the Alumni Association to the alumnus/alumna who has shown outstanding efforts of service to The School or his/her Community. It has been expanded to three annual awards for:

(1) Meritorious Contributions to Southeastern;
(2) Outstanding Service to the Recipient's Community; and
(3) Exemplary Business Success.

The award will be given to the recipients at the regularly-held Graduation Ceremony, and presented by the President of the Association and the Superintendent of the School. (The first selection committee consisted of George Allen, Louis Tarsa and Superintendent James Hager; future selection committee members may include past recipients.) The first Alumni Hall of Fame induction was held in 2001.

2003 Recipients:

(1) Cheryl (Mann) Blanchard, Class of 1976, was the recipient of "Meritorious Contributions to Southeastern" award. Ms. Blanchard graduated from Southeastern, but never left her school behind. This award to the Hall of Fame is truly highlighted by her 18 years of commendable contributions to Southeastern. She continues to serve the regional vocational-technical school as an outstanding, dedicated, and valued Graphic Communication instructor. Cheryl has served as a class advisor, Skills USA/VICA advisor, assisted with yearbook activities, and is presently a J.V. softball coach. She has served her community as a Town Meeting Representative for Stoughton for a number of years. She has also been involved in the Pop Warner Football Association as Program Coordinator, and a Team Parent Leader for seven years.She is currently working on a fundraiser for the South Shore Habitat for Humanity Easton Partnership. Proceeds will help build two new homes for local families in need. Ms. Blanchard is dedicated in helping others.

(2) Mr. Craig Miller, Special Officer, United States Secret Service, Class of 1989, was the posthumous recipient of the "Outstanding Service to Community" award. Craig's plaque was presented to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Miller, of East Bridgewater. After graduating from Southeastern Craig joined the United States Army seeking to be a helicopter mechanic but opting for Anti-Aircraft School in Texas. He was then assigned to the 24th Infantry Division in Georgia. Within two weeks he was sent to Saudi Arabia as part of "Desert Shield" and "Desert Storm". In these campaigns he was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. After four and a half years in the United States Army he returned home to East Bridgewater working a number years in his trade, Automotive. In 1997 Craig moved to Virginia/Washington-DC area working for the National Rifle Association as an instructor and then on to the United States Secret Service.

In September 2001 Special Officer Miller was detailed to the Special Assignments Unit at the World Trade Center, New York City, providing advanced security work for President Bush's upcoming visit to the United Nations General Assembly. His bravery on September 11th was above and beyond the call of duty. Craig Miller died as he was providing critical assistance to those present as the twin towers collapsed. At a memorial service in November 2001, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Master Special Officer Craig Miller was awarded the United States Secret Service Award for Valor. Craig was an American Patriot, and his sacrifice and service to this country will never be forgotten. He left behind a wife and four young children. His award was received by his parents, George and Linda Miller of East Bridgewater.

(3) Dr. Anthony Springhetti, Class of 1976, was the recipient of the "Exemplary Business Success" award. After graduating from Southeastern in the Plumbing trade, Dr. Springhetti chose to further his education in medicine and pursue a new career as a Chiropractor. He has gone on to build a very successful, well-established business with his wife at Easton Chiropractic. His quality patient care extends to many communities and his practice enjoys a large contingency of vocational tradesmen who benefit from his work. Dr. Springhetti is well known and respected by his colleagues, as well as in his community. He is the proud father of three children.

2002 Recipients: (click here for photo of 2002 recipients)

(1) Louise (Burke) Cote, class of 1977, was the recipient of the "Meritorious Contributions to Southeastern" award. She has left Southeastern as a student, but has never left her school behind. She continues to serve Southeastern as an advisory board member, is Vice Chairman of the Alumni Association, and has worked with the school's student recruitment team, speaking to incoming students. Louise owns a successful business called Katmandu Studio in North Attleborough, is a past chairman of her Chamber of Commerce and will be president of her Downtown Association in 2003.

(2) Lieutenant Commander Michael Day, United States Coast Guard, class of 1982, was the recipient of the "Outstanding Service to His Community" award. After graduating from Southeastern, he joined the Navy. After separating from the Navy, he continued his education to earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree. He then joined the Coast Guard, and is presently Chief of the Waterways Oversight Branch of the Coast Guard Activities on Staten Island, New York.

His hard work was put to the ultimate test on Sept. 11, 2001. Mike worked non-stop for four days, directing medical casualties and ambulances, and oversaw the evacuation of a million people from the Island of Manhattan. For his efforts, Mike was promoted to Lieutenant Commander, and was presented the "State of New York Official's Medal" by New York's Board of Commissioners of Pilots. In a 2002 State of the Coast Guard address in Washington, DC, Admiral James Lay described the contributions of Michael Day and called him a "Coast Guard hero." At his Hall of Fame induction, Mike was given a standing ovation by the 2002 graduating class and their guests.

 (3) Thomas Leckstrom, class of 1971, was the recipient of the "Exemplary Business Success" award. After graduating from Southeastern's Cabinetmaking program, Tom stayed in his field, building his own very successful business called Kitchen & Bath Designs Limited, Inc. He was the first Massachusetts cabinetmaker to be certified in kitchen and bath designing. Tom has been featured several times in Cape Cod Life magazine, and has received their award for for best building renovation. His designs have also been featured in Architectural Design and Better Homes and Gardens magazines.

2001 Recipients:

(1) Bill Scharnick , class of 1970, was the recipient of the "Meritorious Contributions to Southeastern" award.
(2) Maurice Hancock, class of 1971, was the recipient of the "Outstanding Service to His Community" award.
(3) Joel Miller, class of 1992, was the recipient of the "Exemplary Business Success" award.

Congratulations to these outstanding alumni!

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Southeastern Regional Vocational-Technical High School Alumni Association
250 Foundry Street * South Easton, MA 02375
508-238-4371, ext 270 * Fax: 508-230-8352

© 2001-2007 Katmandu Studio/Louise R. (Burke) Cote - Class of 1977
Last Updated August 24, 2007