Almost a year ago, my wife and I participated in the 50th reunion for the AHS Class of 1967. From our time at the reunion and around the town, I came to a deeper appreciation for how growing up in Athol contributed to my career and my life — and for how Athol itself has grown in the last several years. I wanted to share a few of these common threads.

Love of learning

The teachers I had throughout the Athol public school system inspired me to learn, and I developed a love of libraries that continued at Athol High School, where my mom Dottie Grace was the librarian.

I have enjoyed a career teaching and leading a number of independent schools from PreK to 12th grade. In July, I took on the role of school director for the Waldorf School of Lexington.

We were excited to discover the new wing of the Athol Public Library. One of the staff members said that a number of visitors ask, “Am I still in Athol?” when they see the new wing.

Love of the outdoors

I was a charter member of the Athol Bird and Nature Club that Robert Coyle formed when we were at Athol Junior High. I can still remember the snowy owl in a pine tree in Tom’s Swamp that a group of us communed with.

In my career heading schools, I have always sought to strengthen each school’s orientation to outdoor education. This fall, Park School of Buffalo will dedicate an environmental science center that we dreamed about when I was head there.

I have been thrilled to take school groups to the Farm School in Athol for overnight farm experiences and to hear about the recent work at Harvard Forest in Petersham collaborating with farmers and environmentalists around the use of the old Petersham Country Club property — where I once caddied.

Love of music

From my first clarinet lessons in fifth grade with Ray Dumas through my experiences with the AHS Band, I developed a lifelong affinity for creating and listening to music.

At Waldorf School of Lexington, I will have a chance to play my clarinet occasionally and to be a member of the whole-staff chorus that sings in the new school year to WSL families and sings throughout the year.

Along with many others, I happily contributed to the campaign to purchase new seats for the Phillip Anzaldi Auditorium. Hope that the campaign will lead to other initiatives for music throughout Athol Public Schools.

My experiences in Athol and in Athol Public Schools, with Boy Scouts, with my three brothers, and with the class of 1967 played a major role in shaping me into the person I am. I have been paying that energy forward in my life and career. I wanted to express my deep appreciation for all that the town, the schools, and the class of ’67 have given me and my family. And as my dad, Bob Grace, (who may have taken your wedding photos) would have said, “Keep up the good work!”

Don Grace

forever an Athol boy, AHS Class of 1967