Ray Pellegrini "Reach for the Stars Scholarship" Golf Tourney Fundraiser

It's time for a Vermont reunion. We're headed back to the green mountains in the first half of August, and the fam has put together a golf tournament to help raise money for dad's scholarship.

If you're going to be in that part of the states, please come play a round with us (it's OK, I suck at golf, too). If you're really not into that sort of thing, then how about coming out for the BBQ that will accompany the sloppy golf?

All proceeds go to dad's scholarship which aims to send Vermont high school graduates to college (especially if they're the first in their family to go). So it's for a good cause, and there should be plenty of old faces there.

August 13th is the day, and my brother, Scott, is the point-man on this. Should be a good time! Please check the entry form for more details.

Ray Pellegrini "Reach for the Stars Scholarship" Golf Tourney Fundraiser

We Miss You, Dad

We Miss You, Dad

Raymond Pellegrini (obituary)

Raymond Paul Pellegrini May 12, 2006

BRISTOL – Raymond Pellegrini died suddenly on Sunday, May 7, 2006. The son of Joseph C. and Mildred (Bevilacqua) Pellegrini, he was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 23, 1950. A graduate of State University of New York at Oneonta, he began his teaching career at Herringswell Manor School in Bury St. Edmunds, England. He later earned his M.A. in educational leadership from Castleton State College.

Mr. Pellegrini worked for 32 years as an educator and administrator in the schools of Vermont. He taught, coached and was principal at Mt. Abraham Union High School (MAUHS) for 12 years, was a teaching principal at Monkton Elementary School for five years, served as principal at Middlebury Union Middle School for 10 years, was superintendent in Milton for two years, and had served as the executive director of the Vermont Principals' Association since July 2003.

Mr. Pellegrini was recognized with several awards, including Outstanding Teacher, MAUHS; UVM Outstanding Teacher Award; and the John Winton Award (Middle Level Principal of the Year). He served on the board of directors of Vermont Middle Level Educators and the Secondary School Commission of NEASC. He established such programs as the Education Recognition Program and Study Circles, implemented breakfast programs and created the "Challenge Diploma."

An advocate in the state Legislature, he was an authority on curriculum, administration and issues of equality, justice and protection in Vermont schools.

Survivors include his wife, the Rev. Lucy C. B. Pellegrini; sons Christopher of Tokyo, Japan, and Scott of San Diego, Calif.; daughter Katie of Burlington; his parents of Dorset; his sister Darinda of Schenectady, N.Y.; three nephews; and many in-laws, aunts and uncles, cousins and their children. He was predeceased by his brother Donald in 1993.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Raymond P. Pellegrini "Reach for the Stars" Scholarship, dedicated to a student destined to be the first in their family to attend an instate college and stay in Vermont after graduation, c/o: VPA; 2 Prospect St., Suite 3, Montpelier, VT 05602, or to Save the Children: 54 Witton Road, Westport, CT 06880.

There will be a rite of Christian burial with Holy Eucharist at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Middlebury, at 10 a.m. today. There will a celebration and remembrance of Mr. Pellegrini's life of service to the children of Vermont on Tuesday, May 16, 2006, at 7 p.m. at Mt. Abraham Union High School in Bristol, with a reception to follow.

Raymond Pellegrini (obituary)

Addison Independent Article About Ray Pellegrini (thanks Pete!)

Big Ray: An Admirer Remembers

During the summer before my senior year at CSC, I Produced two plays for the town of Bristol; as part of my senior project. To me, theater was a daily part of my life and had been for years (thanks in no small part to "the committee," the local troupe fostered by the great Anne Gleason and "Marty" Chesley) and because of my college support I knew it would be more fun than "project."

It ended up being both, and despite some long days of set building and longer evenings of rehearsal, the shows ended up being a highlight of my Academic journey.

After the dust of that summer settled, and I was back at school, I received a letter on Mt. Abe letter-head from Ray Pellegrini. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. P as the father of my good friend Christopher. He was always there to roll his eyes at our antics, laugh at our plays, and make us get out of "his chair" in the TV room.

I opened the note not sure if it was some sort of belated report card, "Dear Director Buonincontro..." it began. It was a Thank You letter. Thanking me for the hard work I put in to the productions both past and present, but more importantly thanking me for helping to influence a culture of the performing arts into the younger generations of the schools.

The importance of this did not hit home till after I left the rolling green hills of Vermont for the snow capped mountains of Oregon. I entered into work at a non-profit children's theater company as a teacher and performer. I went to school after school doing classes and plays, and teaching teachers how to play simple theater games that help students to communicate, work as a team, create discussion.

You see, Oregon has one of the worst budget crisis in the nation. Rather than programs on the block, entire schools close year after year. The school year gets shorter and shorter.

Then I got it.
Big Ray saw it.

The role of extra curricular activities is paramount in a community, cash strapped or not. It provides community identity, culture, something to root for. It is a vital and necessary outlet for countless numbers of kids.

Because of the support of Ray, both as an educator and as a parent, Vermont was a better place, and his influence and the influence of those like him have spread from the far corners of the world quite literally.

I believe that the most fitting tribute that can be paid to such a man is to continue the push for such activities. Ensure the survival of these programs for future students. Do it through donation. Do it through volunteering. Do it through government.

Me...I'll do it because Big Ray wrote me a letter.

Addison Independent Article About Ray Pellegrini (thanks Pete!)

Dad's Rainbow

My brother posted some good photos from last Thursday evening. Find them here.

Dad's Rainbow

Raymond Pellegrini

Here is a resolution passed by the House of Representatives in memory of my father.

Raymond Pellegrini

Loss

We're back in Tokyo after what has been easily the worst week of our lives.

From door to door it was about 28 hours coming back, so we're tired now.

Here's a quick rundown of what I'm referring to.

Loss