Stoneham Central Middle School sends off Class of 2022 with awards, tributes, and choral performances

STONEHAM — June 13, 2022 — Stoneham Central Middle School honored its Class of 2022 and five retiring staff members at the annual 8th Grade Recognition Night on June 13. Principal Banos, completing his 15th and final year alongside Assistant Principal Fulmer, delivered a keynote address drawing on his grandfather's story as a 1904 immigrant who arrived in Boston at age 16, built a coal business, lost everything in the Great Depression, and rebuilt — urging students to push through adversity and "just be kind." Superintendent John Macero, also retiring, attended and praised the school's choral director David Parry: "Your harmony was to the best." The Thomas C. Cleary Award, the school's most prestigious honor, went to Sophie Bruin and William Artario. Teacher Nicole Clark, introduced by Macero as the incoming assistant principal, presented Banos and Fulmer with their own certificates of completion, quoting John C. Maxwell: "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." Retiring 37-year staff veteran Mrs. Belanger was also recognized, as were departing program supervisors Krista Stevens and Sharon Chapman.