Teacher of the Year Goes to Whitcomb Educator

A special education teacher at Whitcomb Middle School, Paula Coyne, has been named Marlborough's teacher of the year by the United Brethren Masonic Lodge of Marlborough.

“Paula is one of these amazing and cherished individuals that volunteer for everything,” said Whitcomb Principal Mary Murphy. “She is always there for the team, the school, and the district.”

Coyne, a lifetime Marlborough resident, has been a teacher since 1979. She is known among the school for not only helping her students, but also collaborating with and mentoring fellow teachers, according to school officials.

Coyne was presented proclamations recognizing her achievement by State Rep. Danielle Gregoire and Mayor Arthur Vigeant at the event, while receiving another proclamation sent from from State Senator Jaime Eldridge. Two  finalists for the award, Traci Cappadona and Shannon Oles, also were honored at the presentation last week.

Interim School Superintendent Dr. Stephen Dlott said what makes these three stand out is their hard work.

“You give 180 performances a year for kids who count on you,” Dlott said. “And there are countless hours that go into preparing for those performances."