School Committee Celebrates 30 Years of Service for Hingham School Employees

Five members of the Hingham Public Schools recently celebrated their 30th anniversary with the school system during Monday’s school committee meeting.

Superintendent Dorothy Galo recognized Foster Elementary School Food Manager Patricia Carson, Hingham Middle School Administrative Assistant Joan O’Brien, and East Elementary School First Grade Teacher Alice Bell for their commitment to the Hingham Schools.

Superintendent secretary Karen Herman and Hingham High School head custodian Larry Babcock were also commended for their time at the schools but were unable to attend Monday’s meeting.

Carson began her career in Hingham as a food service substitute in 1984. A year later, she was hired a for a part-time role at Foster Elementary School. In 1995, Carson became the assistant cafeteria manager and was promoted to the manager in May after performing the role in an interim capacity for the previous year.

Foster School Principal Deborah Stellar said she credits Carson for, “transforming the cafeteria experience for students and teachers at Foster,” and increasing participation in the school’s lunch program.

Food service director Kim Smith said, “she finds ways to say yes and not no.”

Joan O’Brien started as a part time teacher’s assistant at the old South Junior High School, working in the health room, guidance, the main office, and the classroom. In 2001, she was made a clerk typist before moving into her current role at the middle school.

Hingham Middle School Principal Derek Smith and Assistant Principal said O’Brien is, “a kind and caring person who makes the HIngham Middle School front office a warm and welcoming place.

“I find her to be friendly and helpful whether I interact with her in person or by phone,” Galo added.

A graduate of Hingham High School, Alice Bell came to Hingham in 1984 as a first grade teacher after teaching in Hanover from 1976-82. She has taught in multiple schools during her time in Hingham, staying at East Elementary School since 2009.

Principal Anthony Keady called Bell, “a dedicated professional and a reflective teacher.”

This school year will be the last one for Bell, she will retire from teaching in June.