WHS Doesn't Crack Top 50 Boston Magazine Schools

The magazine used a variety of statistics to compile its list. See how Wilmington fared in a variety of categories.

Boston Magazine recently compiled its list of 222 Boston-area public and charter high schools and also narrowed down the top 50 schools in the area based on a variety of statistics, and Wilmington High School found itself in the middle of the pack in a variety of categories. The school didn't find its way onto the Top 50 list in the magazine. Weston High School took top honors followed by Lexington High, Dover-Sherborn Regional High, Concord-Carlisle High and Wellesley Senior High. Schools nearby Wilmington that made the list include Andover High School at No. 27 and Reading Memorial High School at No. 38. Burlington High School also cracked the list at No. 43. According to the sortable list in the article, Wilmington was in the middle of …

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Betty

5:52 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012

Thanks for the comment but here's mine..I've had children at the WHS for more years than I can count, I've found that open houses are a nicety but..... 1. It's my child's responsibility to know what the teacher expects of them, not mine 2. If they are having an issue, on either end, then I'll step in 3. I'll wait and talk to her teachers at the parent teacher night and find out if my child is …   more ›

Flashback Friday

Recognize This Class of 1977 Wilmington Athlete?

If you have a suggestion for our next Flashback Friday, e-mail their name and year of graduation to Matthew.Schooley@patch.com.

Jim Stewart may have graduated from Wilmington High School, but he's never really left it. Wilmington's Town Moderator was a member of the Class of 1977, and now every year he returns to the school's gymnasium to keep order at Annual Town Meeting. During his time at the school, the man known as "Stew" was a four-year member of the Wildcat football, basketball and baseball teams. Stewart served as a captin of the basketball team during his junior and senior years. Do you have a recognizable Wilmington graduate that you'd like to see featured in our Flashback Friday column? E-mail Local Editor Matt Schooley with their name and year of graduation and they could be our next selection.

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What Residents Are Saying About the School Appeal

We recap some of the comments posted to the Wilmington Patch Facebook page after high school construction was delayed by another appeal.

Regardless of what side of the debate residents fall on, the new high school plans and subsequent appeals have brought out strong reactions. Many residents have expressed their views on the Wilmington Patch Facebook page, as about 150 comments were posted about the latest appeals on Friday alone. What do you think about the appeals and the project as a whole? Let us know in the comments section or on the Wilmington Patch Facebook and Twitter pages. Here is a recap of what some residents had to say through social media: Mary Downs: I've lived in this town for 50+ years! Mr. O'Reilly is right. We do not need a new High School. It's time we take a step back. We have never been given a complete cost of this school. Meaning - The cost of a new …

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Flashback Friday

Recognize This Major League Member of the Class of 1989?

If you have a suggestion for our next Flashback Friday, e-mail matthew.schooley@patch.com with their name and year of graduation.

He accomplished something not many Wilmington High School graduates have. But before he was a professional athlete, Jason Bere was a member of the Wildcat baseball team and a graduate of the Class of 1989. Following his career in Wilmington, Bere went on to pitch at Middlesex Community College before he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 36th round of the 1990 amateur draft, according to Baseball Reference. Though his career Earned Run Average (ERA) wasn't exactly sparkling, Bere did find a home in the big leagues for more than a decade. In 11 seasons, the Wilmington graduate put together an ERA of 5.14 along with a winning record of 71-65. Bere took the league by storm in his first two seasons. He was second in the Rookie of the …

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IMAGE GALLERY: Wilmington Day at the Lowell Spinners

Michael Caira throws out first pitch and WHS hockey team recognized.

Friday was Wilmington Day the Lowell Spinners. Wilmington's own Dalton Rolli threw out the first pitch, along with Town Manager Michael Caira. The state champion Wilmington High School boys hockey team was also acknowledged as part of Wilmington Day at LeLacheur Park.  Take a look through our image gallery and if you were at the game Friday, upload your photos and add to our collection. 

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Flashback Friday

Which Class of 1977 Student Was Known as 'Pizza Man?'

If you have a suggestion for a Flashback Friday selection, e-mail their name and year of graduation to matthew.schooley@patch.com.

When he graduated in 1977, Rocco "Chuck" DePasquale had pizza on the brain. It's only fitting since he puts it on the plates of Wilmington residents on a daily basis. DePasquale is the owner of Rocco's Restaurant and Bar, which has been in the family since 1940. When he graduated from Wilmington High School 35 years ago, he listed his nickname as "Pizza Man." In addition, DePasquale said his challenge was to make the biggest pizza. Among the activities DePasquale participated in during his time was a Wildcat were baseball and the Patron's Drive. Though he's currently known for his traditional Italian food, DePasquale is also a staple in the Wilmington community as he regularly donates to local organizations. If you have someone who you'd …

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Flashback Friday

What Member of the Class of 1986 is This?

Before he was an active member of the Wilmington community, he was a captain of the Wildcats boys soccer team.

He's a comedian, an emcee, a Rotarian and more. But more than two decades ago, Steve Bjork was captain of the Wilmington High School boys soccer team and a member of the Class of 1986. Today you can find Bjork bringing laughter at events like the roast of retiring Police Lt. Chris Neville and the annual Good Guy Award. He's also an active member of the Rotary Club, helping lead the Rotary Interact program. Flash back to 1986, and you could find Bjork on the Wilmington basketball team and playing goaltender on the soccer field. In addition, Bjork listed family, prom, and Aerosmith as the things he would remember about high school. It's safe to say that 26 years ago, there's no way Bjork would have predicted that Steven Tyler would still be …

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Flashback Friday

Who is This Class of 1991 Standout Athlete?

Want to suggest a recognizable face for Flashback Friday? E-mail Local Editor Matt Schooley at matthew.schooley@patch.com with their year of graduation.

Long before she was a member of the Wilmington Board of Selectmen, Judy O'Connell was one of the more active members of the Class of 1991. O'Connell was the captain of the Wilmington High School field hockey team in addition to her roles on the basketball and softball teams. She was also a member of the Medical Careers Club. During her senior season, O'Connell led the field hockey team to a 7-4-5 record and a berth in the state tournament, where Manchester eliminated the locals. The senior's efforts on the field didn't go unnoticed. O'Connell was named to the All-Conference team, was chosen as the Player of the Year for the Merrimack Valley Conference and was selected to the Boston Globe All-Scholastic field hockey team. During the senior …

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Class of 1987 Prepares for 25 Year Reunion

Tickets are available for June 23 event, held in Lawrence.

The Wilmington High School Class of 1987 will celebrate its 25th Reunion at Salvatore’s Riverwalk in Lawrence next Saturday, June 23, from 8 p.m. until midnight.  This is a casual event with music, a dance floor, passed appetizers, gourmet pizza, a cash bar, and an outdoor deck overlooking the Merrimack River.  Classmates who went on to graduate from other high schools are warmly welcome to attend the reunion. The cost per ticket is $50 through Friday, June 22, and $60 at the door. Credit card payments can be made via PayPal by logging on to the reunion's website, and check payments (payable to WHS Class of 1987) can be mailed to Kate Ryan, 10 Marie Drive, Wilmington, but must be received by Thursday, June 21. Classmates who are not able …

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IMAGE GALLERY: Presenting the Class of 2012

Wilmington High School's Class of 2012 wouldn't let an indoor ceremony ruin the excitement of the big day.

Mother Nature moved the Wilmington High School graduation ceremony into the gym, but it was still a festive day for the Class of 2012 as the school held its graduation ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Due to a soggy field and rain showers in the area, the school was unable to hold the ceremony on the football field as planned. So with a gymnasium full of friends and family, students received their diplomas. The cermeony lasted just over an hour and featured remarks by Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton, Town Manager Michael Caira, School Committee Chairman Margaret Kane, Principal Eric Tracy and Senior Advisor Marissa Bortone. Valedictorian Kristen Esdale, Salutatorian Alaina Coakley and Essayist Meaghan Stinson also offered their wishes…

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