Schools

IMAGE GALLERY: 'A Royal Farewell' for Retiring PWS Principal

Hundreds of current and former students, parents and teachers throw a big Bedford bash for Ken WIlliams, who is retiring after more than 24 years in the district.

He’s been in education for more than 32 years, 24 of which he's served as a fixture in Bedford schools.

Thursday night, hundreds of the lives he touched – many of them current and former students, parents and teachers – came to bid "A Royal Farewell' to Peter Woodbury School Principal Ken Williams, who retires at the end of the current school year.

Teresa Dainesi, a parent volunteer who helped plan the affair, provided the following description of Thursday night's event:

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Ken ...(er, "His Majesty") was dressed in full regalia and had the time of his life. We transformed a classroom into a royal palace - and he was completely surprised. Many members of the community - families past and present, as well as present and past colleagues - came by to visit him in a receiving line, complete with red carpet treatment!

“For the last 24 years, Mr. Williams has devoted himself tirelessly to helping to shape the minds of countless students in Bedford and beyond,” says Cheryl Daley, assistant principal at PWS, who was announced as Williams' successor earlier this week. “I cannot think of anyone in the history of this town who has been more respected or beloved, not only as an educator, but in his treasured role as principal of Peter Woodbury School.”

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“The students he’s touched over the decades – many of whom are now adults with their own families – have had the unique opportunity to be guided by a man who has taught them that learning can be fun," she continued. "He has devoted his entire career to empowering the minds and spirits of children everywhere, and he will be deeply missed.”.

Images courtesy of Teresa Dainesi.

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