Nunes honored for commitment to School Committee, community
Oct 19, 2021
School Committee member John Nunes is being honored by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees for his service to the committee and the town. He says he does it for the children, such as these two youngsters who presented him with a poster at a previous meeting. Photo by: Douglas McCulloch
Veteran School Committee member John Nunes received a lifetime achievement award from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees for his 31 years of service on the committee and for his community efforts, School Committee members reported at their Oct. 18 meeting.
School Committee member Chris Oliver said he nominated Nunes for the award on behalf of the school district.
Nunes will formally receive the award at an upcoming School Committee meeting. The presentation is tentatively scheduled Nov. 15.
He was first elected to the committee in 1990. But Oliver said the award also reflects his dedication to the overall community, in particular his support for the sports programs and band events.
Nunes announces high school football games, serves as master of ceremonies at many school functions and is a long-time volunteer at the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bonny Gifford said.
“Besides that, he is an all-around wonderful and kind person,’’ she said.
The award is presented to someone who has made “a great contribution to the civic spirit and well-being’’ of a community, in addition to service on the committee, said Glenn Koocher, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.
About two or three people receive this distinction each year, Koocher said.
Nunes, who moved to Dartmouth when he was 4, has two children who graduated from Dartmouth High School.
Among the accomplishments during his tenure was the construction of the new high school.
“I can’t imagine anyone more deserving of this,’’ said committee vice chair Mary Waite.
Nunes sets “a level of what someone in this position, in this role, should do,’’ committee member Kathleen Amaral said. She said that, whether people agree with his viewpoints or not, he always does “due diligence’’ and regularly spends time in the school buildings.
“We’re very proud of him,’’ Gifford said.
Nunes agreed with colleagues’ assessments that he felt a bit uneasy in the spotlight. He said he doesn’t do the work for attention.
“It’s for the kids,’’ he said. “That’s what it’s all about.’’
