Putnam Vocational Technical Academy alumni share their reflections on their vocational education and what it has meant to them.
Linda Mariani is a member of the Class of 1969 at Springfield Trade High School, now known as Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy. She is a teacher at Samuel Bowles Elementary School.By LINDA MARIANI
SPRINGFIELD - My years at Springfield Trade High School proved to be one of the most influential times in my life.
Vietnam, social unrest and racial tensions were among the current events that comprised the turbulent 1960s. But, inside our school walls, we made friends, achieved goals and adhered to rules that provided us with a sense of security.
I was a cosmetology student and was forced to wear an all-white uniform. Every day, my teacher Mrs. Mattson lined us girls (the school was segregated by gender back then) up for inspection. We had to be immaculate from head to toe, and Mrs. Mattson constantly reminded us that our uniform was good training for our chosen vocation, where appearance was always of the utmost importance.
I was proud to be a student at Trade High School (the name later changed to Putnam) and always laughed when someone scoffed at me, proclaiming foolishly that my school was for kids who were more focused on working with their hands than focusing on academics.
Today, I have a master’s degree (as do many of my former classmates). My years at Trade taught me things I would never have learned had I not attended that school, things I still use today.
In fact, it was at Trade that I developed a deep love of history and experienced the impact that great teaching could have on a life. I can only hope that I am that kind of teacher to my students.
I’ve been teaching in Springfield Public Schools since the 1980s and have modeled the respect I show my students and the high expectations I have for them after my teachers at Trade. I have had the honor and privilege of being recognized in the “Who’s Who of American Teachers.” So, I am not only grateful to my former teachers for what they gave me as a student, but also for the inspiration they continue to give me today.