Stoughton Year In Review: 2019's Defining Moments

STOUGHTON, MA — Between now and New Years, Patch will be taking a look back at 2019 and recalling some of the biggest news stories from the year. From school news to lengthy features, it was a busy year in Stoughton. What follows is a list of some defining moments covered by Stoughton Patch in 2019.

Stoughton Official Leaving Town That 'Embraced' Him

When Adam Dawkins moved to Stoughton in 2012, the town became more than another place to live. Dawkin's previous work had sent him everywhere from his home state of South Carolina, to Baltimore, Atlanta, and eventually Stoughton. Itching to return to his small-town life he experienced growing up outside Greenville, South Carolina, Dawkins moved to Stoughton — a place he said he'll always call home — especially because it was the first place he felt comfortable being himself, a gay man. Read more here.

Stoughton Alumni Say Goodbye To Old High School

The old Stoughton High School building has over 100 years of memories, and before it's demolished to make way for the new school opening in the fall, alumni were granted one last chance to reminisce. Despite a heatwave, making it feel well over 100 degrees Saturday, hundreds of alumni visited the school one last time to say goodbye. Read more here.

Stoughton Man Hits On $1 Million Lottery Ticket

Corey Cummings, of Stoughton, chose the one-time payment of $1 million (less tax withholdings) He plans on using part of the prize money to buy himself a new car. Read more here.

Dawe Elementary Principal Up For LifeChanger Of The Year Award

The award recognizes an educator's ability to make life-changing differences for the students in their community. Principal Robert Cancellieri was nominated by Jennifer O'Sullivan, his school's speech-language pathologist. According to Sullivan, Cancellieri is a great listener who values every student and faculty member at the school. She credited him for making the school a positive place for all students, peaking highly of his morning announcements and caring personality. Read more here.

Stoughton Track Remembers Teammates One Year After Fatal Crash

David Bell was always talking about food. During track meets, one of his coaches at Stoughton High would draw an imaginary box around him to keep him from wandering off for a snack.

Nicholas Joyce would take time at practice to make special handshakes with his teammates and coaches. Eryck Sarblah got excited whenever he got free shirts and gear. And Christopher Desir wasn't even on the team at first; he helped set up equipment and joined only when the coaches finally asked why he didn't just suit up.

All four boys brought their own unique sort of silliness to the team, but their coaches and teammates said their energy, hard work and camaraderie were also contagious. And it was these qualities that held the team together in the year since they were killed in a horrific crash on Route 106 in East Bridgewater. Read more here.