Once a Blackhawk, Always a Blackhawk Bellingham Public Schools – Alumni Spotlight Series
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #1 – Service, Strength, and Resilience
Michael Beaulieu – Class of 1972
Michael shared that he retired as a Chief of Police and later faced and overcame stage 4 throat cancer. Today, he continues working full time in security at a casino in New Hampshire. His story reflects resilience, service, and perseverance.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #2 – Service, Family, and Legacy
Melissa DuTremble – Class of 1993
Melissa joined the U.S. Army the summer before her senior year and served for eight years. She began her railroad career in 1994 as an IBEW locomotive technician and is now entering her 32nd year. She married her high school sweetheart and raised two sons, both BHS graduates (Classes of 2021 and 2024).
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #3 – Built Here, Worked Here
Barbara Galipeau‐Thomas – Class of 1975
Barbara worked 42 years as a machinist and retired in 2021. She also shared a strong family connection to BHS, with siblings graduating in 1969 and 1982. Her story reflects skilled trades, dedication, and family legacy.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #4 – Caring for Others
Diane Smith – Class of 1977
Diane spent her career as a hospice nurse. She has been married for 42 years, is a mother of four and grandmother of nine, and reflected with gratitude on the teachers at BHS who supported her growth.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #5 – From Bellingham to the World
Jess Marie – Class of 2004
Jess moved to Australia and spent more than a decade with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, participating in marine conservation missions around the world, including the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. She also served with the Australian Coast Guard. She has since returned to New England and now works as an attorney.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #6 – A Life Well Lived
Cheryl Rintala – Class of 1976
Cheryl worked her entire career in accounts payable and is now thankful to be retired. She proudly identifies as part of the Class of 1976.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #7 – Healthcare & Service
Cindy Boulanger – Class of 1983
Cindy shared that she is a Registered Nurse and is now happily retired after a career dedicated to healthcare.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #8 – Education and Adventure
Diane Verhoest – Class of 1971
Diane earned a bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University and completed graduate studies at Boston College. She taught English in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, then traveled extensively by RV to 49 states before retiring to Florida.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #9 – Leadership Through Athletics
John Clancy Jr. – Class of 1977
John coached Bellingham Boys Basketball for many years, serving as varsity coach from 1993–1999 and leading the team to a TVL Championship in 1995. He also coached freshman basketball and returned to Bellingham after college to give back through athletics.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #10 – Career, Family, and Community
Marc Gregoire – Class of 1975
Marc worked for 37 years at CVS and has been happily retired since 2020. He shared that he is a proud father and grandfather and remains closely connected to Bellingham.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #11 – Family and Gratitude
Charlotte Cappadora – Class of 1971
Charlotte was married for 51 years, worked 30 years at Bell Atlantic, and now lives in New Hampshire. She is the mother of three, grandmother of two, and great‐grandmother, and reflects fondly on her BHS years.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #12 – Military Service and Travel
Robert Lahue – Class of 1978
Robert shared that he joined the U.S. Air Force, traveled the world during his service, retired, and continues traveling throughout the country.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #13 – Retirement and Reflection
Lois Gores – Class of 1973
Lois shared that she is happily retired and loving life, proudly representing the Class of 1973.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #14 – Feeding Communities
Kelly Haley – Class of 1984
Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University, is credentialed with the School Nutrition Association, and serves as a K–12 School Nutrition Director. She has received the Terrific Tray Award from MA DESE and Healthy Meal Incentive Awards from the USDA and Action for Healthy Kids.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #15 – Military Leadership
Richard Taylor – Class of 1977
Richard shared that he retired after 39 years in the military, reflecting a lifetime of service.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #16 – Giving Back Locally
Kim Djerf Raymond – Class of 1994
Kim shared that she is now the high school lunch aide, proudly serving students in the same community where she graduated.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #17 – Business and Community Commitment
Doug Henderson – Class of 1983
Doug attended Bryant College, worked in accounting at State Street for 17 years (including time in Toronto), then spent 20 years at DuPont. Now retired, he continues consulting, officiating football, and coaching girls basketball in his Pennsylvania community.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #18 – Athletic Excellence
Brenna Elliott – Class of 1991
Brenna was inducted into the Bellingham High School Athletic Hall of Fame multiple times, including as an athlete, a state championship field hockey team member, and an assistant coach. She is also a member of the New England and Rhode Island Slow Pitch Softball Halls of Fame, continues to compete at the AAA/Major level, and works as a surgical/dental veterinary technician.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #19 – Multigenerational Pride
Sharon Vater – Class of 1988
Sharon shared that her family has deep Blackhawk roots. Her brother graduated in 1976, and her mother—now 91—was part of the class that chose the BHS school colors, helping shape a lasting school tradition.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #20 – Nursing and Care
Doreen Marini – Class of 1984
Doreen attended the Framingham Union Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1987, and shared that she has been working in nursing ever since.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #21 – Trades, Military, and Work Ethic
CJ Joyal – Class of 1984 (Valley Tech)
CJ attended Valley Tech, served six years in the U.S. Navy (including submarine service), worked as a Seabees electrician, spent 30 years as an electronics and mechanical technician, earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, and now works as an assistant manager at ACE Hardware in Maine.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #22 – Educator Legacy & Alumni Voice
Jeffrey Cintolo – Class of 1982
Jeffrey shared his story by honoring his mother, who taught in Bellingham Public Schools for over 50 years during some of the town’s most challenging periods. While Jeffrey did not detail his own career, he spoke with deep respect and gratitude for the educators who shaped Bellingham students and families.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #23 – Global Living
Catia Sedlacek – Class of 1990
Catia earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Framingham State University and moved to Germany in 2000. She recently shared that she was offered a position working in a kindergarten.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #24 – Lifelong Connections
Amy Rudnick – Class of 1986
Amy shared that she remains close with many classmates and participates in class reunions every five years, reflecting enduring friendships formed at BHS.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #25 – Class Pride & School Spirit
Chris Santini – Class of 1979
Chris shared that he is a proud member of the Class of 1979 and still holds fond memories of Bellingham High School.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #26 – Career, Retirement, and Gratitude
Richard LeBlanc – Class of 1976
Richard graduated as part of the Class of 1976 and shared that he is now happily retired.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #27 – Healthcare & Professional Commitment
Cheryl Ranieri Boucher – Class of 1983
Cheryl has worked in radiology and mammography for 40 years. She is also the proud parent of three sons who graduated from BHS in 2009, 2012, and 2016.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #28 – Military Service & Teaching
Jennifer Eloge – Class of 1994
Jennifer retired from the U.S. Air Force and is now working as a teacher, currently living in Lincoln, Nebraska.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #29 – Mental Health & Lifelong Learning
AL Dussault – Class of 1963
AL attended Bridgewater State College, worked in mental health and public health, earned a doctorate in psychoanalysis, and is now semi-retired in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #30 – Family, Career, and Community Roots
Kathy Morin Halpin – Class of 1983
Kathy attended cosmetology school after graduating and has worked as a cosmetologist for 41 years. She returned to Bellingham to raise her family and currently works at Designer Cuts in Bellingham.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #31 – Class Pride
Angela Derouin Ramirez – Class of 1988
Angela proudly shared that she is a member of the Bellingham High School Class of 1988.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #32 – Lifelong Blackhawk
Jilliann Bernard Holmes – Class of 1999
Jilliann shared her pride as a graduate of the Class of 1999.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #33 – Class Legacy
David Unkel – Class of 1977
David proudly identified as a member of the Class of 1977.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #34 – Alumni Across the Years
Margo Litke – Class of 1981
Margo shared that she graduated from Bellingham High School in 1981.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #35 – Community and Home
Sue Poirier Oram – Class of 1982
Sue shared that she is a graduate of the Class of 1982 and currently lives in Arizona.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #36 – Career, Planning, and Reflection
Barb Harvey Missel – Class of 1978
Barb worked in accounting throughout her career, including 18 years with Berlin Public Schools in New Hampshire. She shared that she is counting down to retirement and plans to relocate to North Carolina.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #37 – Family & Career Pathways
William Gilbert – Class of 1993
William shared that he graduated from Bellingham High School in 1993.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #38 – Class Pride
Janine Nally Dulac – Class of 1988
Janine shared that she is a graduate of the Class of 1988.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #39 – Military Service & Business Leadership
Tim Bigelow – Class of 1984
Tim is a U.S. Army veteran who completed a double major at Georgia Southern University and now owns and operates a property management company and real estate brokerage in Georgia.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #40 – Healthcare & Long-Term Service
Katy Kantor – Class of 1984
Katy attended UMass Amherst, Framingham State, and UMass Boston and has worked as an emergency room nurse for 36 years.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #41 – Education, Healthcare & Giving Back
Melissa Hollander Kaczor – Class of 1990
Melissa worked as a Clinical Certified Medical Assistant before becoming a teacher in the nursing program at Blackstone Valley Tech. She has lived in Bellingham for 53 years and raised her two children there.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT #42 – Pandemic-Era Graduate & Family Pride
Denise Jean (Honoring Her Daughter) – Class of 2020
Denise shared pride in her daughter, a BHS Class of 2020 graduate whose senior year was impacted by the pandemic and who went on to earn a dental hygiene degree from Regis College in 2024.