Old Colony Archives
Assonet teenager a model of excellence
Dawn E. Hughes, a cosmetology student at Old Colony Vocational-Technical High School, has been named the school's Outstanding Vocational-Technical Student for 2004.
By Jonathan Darling, The Standard-Times
February 12, 2004
FREETOWN -- Dawn E. Hughes juggles school, a job and working on community projects. It's that balance that makes her a natural for the award recently bestowed upon her.
The Assonet resident and Old Colony student has been honored as the school's Outstanding Vocational-Technical Student for 2004. The statewide program recognizes outstanding vocational-technical education students. Each year an award is presented to one student at every vocational high school throughout Massachusetts.
"I was very shocked because of all the competition," Ms. Hughes said. "It is a great honor to receive this award." Ms. Hughes ranks No. 1 in her senior class and received the award for her academic studies and her technical competence in the cosmetology program.
Rita J. Bretto, vocational coordinator at Old Colony, said the teen is exceptional. "She is an outstanding vocational student. We are thrilled Dawn is receiving this award, she is such a nice young lady," she said.
Ms. Hughes was voted the recipient by the faculty, staff and administration of Old Colony Voc-Tech.
According to Mrs. Bretto, Ms. Hughes exceeded the criteria for the award. She said that included not only academic success, but demonstrating leadership qualities, participating in extracurricular activities and being involved in the community.
"Dawn is a wonderful National Honor Society president," said Christine Watling, the faculty coordinator of the National Honor Society chapter at Old Colony.
Currently, Ms. Hughes and the rest of the society are busy making lap blankets for residents the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home. The National Honor Society is also continuing the tradition of the "Soup and Socks" campaign for the members of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center.
The group wraps a pair of socks around a can of soup and hands them out at the center.
This is the eighth year assisting the center, officials said.
In addition to her studies and community activities, Ms. Hughes works at Sedell's Pharmacy in Assonet.
"The fact that she maintains an average of high (academic) honors and works a full-time job demonstrates her exceptional work ethic," Mrs. Bretto said.
As for the future, Ms. Hughes wants to get into massage therapy. She plans on attending Bristol Community College, where she will study massage therapy and business in hopes of one day opening her own salon.
Ms. Hughes said she is grateful to her supportive parents and family, especially her sister Lauren, who is a freshman at UMass Dartmouth.
"I am very thankful for my sister. She is very smart and always helped with my academics," Ms. Hughes said. "She helped me get where I am today."
Ms. Hughes will receive her award at a statewide ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 8.
She has been the recipient of the Vocational Technical Education Student of the month on three occasions. She was recently recognized at the fall Advisory Board meeting for the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association Student Achievement award, traditionally given to the highest-ranking student.