Called the “heart and soul” of the Hopedale High School Alumni Association, Betty Butcher was honored for her 45 years as Treasurer of the group at its 130th Anniversary Celebration Dinner held at the Doubletree Hotel in Milford on October 7th. More than 200 Hopedale graduates and their guests enjoyed dinner, music and a chance to reminisce with classmates and friends as the Alumni marked the anniversary of the town’s first graduating Class of 1887—which included just two students—and the major role the Alumni now play in supporting students and classroom teachers with $80,000 in scholarships and $40,000 in grants each year. Dinner committee chairwoman Karen Mazzarelli thanked all those who made the evening a success and noted “We were so lucky to grow up in Hopedale, where ‘Blue Raider Spirit’ never fades.” A member of the Class of 1949 of Hopedale High, Betty was joined by her family as the Alumni presented her with roses, a handmade quilt and a citation signed by Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker recognizing her “on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for her dedicated service” to the Alumni Association. The most senior alumni attending the anniversary celebration were Richard and Joyce Hoberg from the Class of 1947. Graduates from around the country were at the dinner and several, including the 50-year Class of 1967, held reunions as part of the celebration weekend. It was noted by Alumni President Henry Cyr that Mrs. Butcher also recently retired as Secretary-Treasurer of the Hopedale Village Cemetery board, adding “We hope what we say and do tonight will let you know the love, respect and gratitude we have for you and all you’ve done for Hopedale.” Betty’s plans for the future: “Putting my feet up and reading some good books.”
Issue Date:
November, 2017
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