Oxford SC discusses safety in closed session

Caroline Bercier receives award

by Becky Harvey
Patriot correspondent

The Oxford School Committee, like so many others in surrounding towns, went almost directly into executive committee in order to discuss safety precautions in the wake of the shootings in Newtown last month.  Prior to closing the doors to the public at the January 14 meeting, Superintendent Allen Himmelberger introduced his choice for this year’s Worcester County Superintendents' Association (WCSA) Certificate of Academic Excellence winner, Caroline Bercier.

Ms. Bercier, along with 60 other students from around the county, was honored at the Worcester County Scholars luncheon at Clark University the previous week. This award honors the best and the brightest students that Worcester County has to offer.  Himmelberger noted that choosing the recipient and bestowing this award is one of the greatest parts of being a superintendent.  He loves being able to recognize students for their achievements.  He feels it is some of the most gratifying work a superintendent can do.

Ms. Bercier, and her parents Brian and Jane and her twin sister, Meredith, were all on hand at the meeting to witness the presentation.  Ms. Bercier was selected with relative ease, according to Himmelberger.  She was a clear-cut choice, as she stood out in not only her academic excellence, but also in what she added to the climate of the school.  She is very active in both basketball and theater.  She is in the top echelon of the senior class and she has been honored with “numerous academic awards” according to Himmelberger.  She is also a black belt in karate.

 “Caroline was the obvious choice,” stated Himmelberger.  “Some years it is a very hard choice, but for the past four years, there has been a clear and obvious winner.  Caroline has done so much for the school community.  Her teachers and the Guidance Department recommended her unanimously for the award.”