8 Worcester Public Schools Alumni Honored In 2025

WORCESTER, MA — Every year, the Worcester Educational Development Foundation honors outstanding graduates of Worcester Public Schools.

Eight people received the Distinguished Alumni and Friends of Worcester Public Schools Award for 2025. They have made a lasting impact through their professional achievements, leadership, and service, according to the school district.

The event took place at the Hogan Center at the College of the Holy Cross on Oct. 22.

Here's which alumni were honored:

• Dr. Katie (Moynihan) Hardart is a graduate of Midland Street School, Chandler Junior High School, and Doherty Memorial High School. She earned a bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Dartmouth College and a medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She is now the Director of Pediatrics at New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons.
• Melanie Bonsu is a graduate of May Street School, Forest Grove Middle School and Doherty Memorial High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Worcester State University, and is the Community Relations Manager at Saint-Gobain Abrasives. She serves on the boards for the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Notre Dame Academy and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
• Mike Lucasis is a graduate of Abbot Street School, Chandler Junior High School, and Doherty Memorial High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Fordham University and a master's from Boston College. He is the Superintendent of the Oxford Public Schools.
• Frank Carroll was a graduate of Commerce High School and Worcester Junior College. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and the founder of the Small Business Service Bureau. He dedicated his life to assisting those in need and played a key role in the creation of the Korean War Monument downtown Worcester.
• Dr. Jill Beck is a graduate of South High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Clark University, a master's from McGill University, and a PhD from the City University of New York. She made history as the 15th president of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.
• Bill Wallace is the Executive Director of the Museum of Worcester. He has dedicated 50 years to preserving the city's history and has helped expand the museum's reach.
• Dr. Shirley F. B. Carter is the first African American graduate of the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated from Classical High School, Assumption University and UMass Amherst. She works in nursing and as a professor at Springfield College.
• Ken Bates is a graduate of Burncoat High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Worcester State University and a master's from Assumption University. He is the president and CEO of Open Sky Community Services, and previously led The Bridge of Central Massachusetts.

See Also:

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute Awarded $1M To Boost Hydrogen Energy Careers
• 2 Worcester Elementary Schools Could Get Roof, Window Replacements
• 9 From Worcester County Among 56 Charged In MA Child Sex Abuse Investigation