Bedard Turning Dreams Into Reality With PLA

Three years later, those responsible for bringing a unique alternative high school program to Peabody credit one man with the passion, talent and determination for turning that dream into a reality.

Peabody Learning Academy Director Seith Bedard recently received the Simon Youth Foundation's Administrator of the Year Award and was feted again at last week's School Committee meeting by Simon representatives and school officials.

"He wants everyone to realize their potential and works tirelessly to do so," says SYF.

The most effusive praise of Bedard, who taught at Peabody High for several years before being tapped to direct the PLA program at the Northshore Mall, came from mall general manager Mark Whiting.

Whiting has worked regularly with Bedard and the staff in various aspects of the program, particularly in job training and other vocational opportunities for students.

"In Seith, with the support of his wife Rachel, Peabody High has one fantastic educator," Whiting said. "He and his staff are truly working miracles in that classroom everyday."

The PLA enrolls students within the district who are on the verge of dropping out as well as those who have already dropped out.

"One of our shining stars is our Learning Academy, which has been an outstanding addition to our high school. Part of that is due to good leadership. Seith Bedard has done an outstanding job since he has taken over," School Superintendent Joe Mastrocola said.

Whiting mentioned CVS/Caremark is interested again in pursuing a partnership with the school, in large part thanks to the success seen under Bedard's leadership.

"Seith and his staff absolutely embrace the principal that some students learn differently, but they're capable of succeeding beautifully in life," he said, noting the successes of some recent grads who will go on to positively affect many other lives.

"He [is] probably one of the finest educators I've ever had the pleasure of working with," said Whiting.

"It is almost three years to the day since we were here together and you heard the presentation about the foundation and about the learning academy," said Ron Hanson, the Simon vice president who originally pitched the plan for the PLA to local officials.

"I remember someone asking, 'What's in it for Simon?' I think what's in it for Simon is the kids that come out of the program who have their high school diplomas and are contributing members of their communities...but it's also about the leadership that it takes to make seomething like this happen," Hanson said.

He said that passion and leadership extended all the way from the Peabody School Committee and local officials on down to Bedard and his staff, who took the dream and made it into a reality.

Dr. Michael Durnil, who is now the president and CEO for SYF, said the foundation was proud to honor Bedard as well as give the PLA a check for $1,000 in Bedard's name.

“We are proud to add Seith Bedard to our list of distinguished educators,” said Durnil. “He ignites hope to drive student success and has helped to continue positioning the Simon Youth Foundation as a national leader in non-traditional education and student retention.”

Bedard graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, has a master’s degree in special education from American International College, works extensively with the North Shore Workforce Investment Board and is on the board of directors for the North Shore chapter of the American Red Cross.

He also helped create the alternative night school program at PVMHS as well and has spoken to hundreds of school officials from all over about the Peabody Learning Academy.

Durnil noted he came onto the scene after the PLA was established, but had the pleasure of attending the first graduation ceremony two years ago at which he first met Bedard.

He said SYF is now approaching its 15th anniversary and 10,000th graduate from one of its 23 educational resource centers.

Whiting and Durnil also interjected that the Bedards are expecting their first child for an extra round of congratulations.

“Often, I am the only role model or parental figure in my students’ lives. Therefore, it’s imperative that I show my dedication to their success,” Bedard initially wrote in response to news of the award. “Helping these students and providing them with guidance not just in school, but in life, has really empowered them to make better choices and contribute to society in a positive way.”

"I'm very humbled," Bedard said last week, making brief remarks and thanking his family, school officials and Simon representatives for giving him the opportunity at the PLA.

"It's more than just saving one kid; I've think what we've been able to do is really benefit the community as a whole, not just what we're doing in the classroom, but some of the things we're doing out of the classroom," Bedard said, adding it's not just about the diplomas, but helping students toward becoming productive citizens.

"This is a great example of what can be accomplished with some imagination, with some people left to their own devices, given some latitude to teach children...who learn differently," said School Committee member Dave McGeney.

He called it "a beautiful collaboration between public education and a committed community partner," also taking a moment to recognize Whiting for his leadership in the business community.

"From the day this idea was presented to us, it had the full support of the School Committee, the City Council and the mayor; we were behind it, we were invested in it and we certainly found the right champion in Seith," McGeney said.

To learn more about the PLA visit its website here and you can check out SYF online here.