Evelyn M. Shanahan devoted 45 years to educating the children of Groveland and helped shape the foundation of education in the Pentucket Regional community. Born and raised in Groveland, she began teaching in 1928 and later served as principal of both the Shanahan and Bagnall Schools during a period of major growth. Known for her leadership, compassion, and dedication, she influenced generations of students and families. Former students remembered her as an inspiring teacher and role model deeply committed to her community. The naming of the Evelyn M. Shanahan School during her lifetime reflected the extraordinary respect she earned through decades of service, mentorship, and educational leadership.
Kristin (Guerrette) Nali, a Groveland native and Pentucket Regional High School Class of 1993 graduate, is regarded by many as the greatest female athlete in school history. A three-year starter, multi-sport participant and cheerleader, she made her greatest impact in softball-batting .602 as a junior and finishing with a career average of .520-where her speed, power, defensive skill, and leadership set her apart. A three-year All-League selection, she was the CAL Player of the Year and Boston Globe All-Scholastic Division 3 Player of the Year as a junior (centerfielder), and again a Boston Globe All-Scholastic as a senior (shortstop). Coaches from the 1980s and 1990s consistently place her at the top of discussions about Pentucket's best female athletes. She represented Pentucket at Boston's Women in Sports Day and continued her career at Bridgewater State College, starting every game as a freshman and earning Female Freshman Athlete of the Year. Her achievements remain a lasting symbol of excellence, leadership, and dedication in Pentucket athletics.
Bill Martin served Pentucket with distinction as an English teacher, Guidance Director, and accomplished athletic coach, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes. Known for his engaging teaching style and high expectations, students fondly remembered his literature classes and the personal connection he brought to learning. As a counselor, he guided students with honesty, compassion, and wisdom, earning recognition for Excellence in counseling in 1988. Beyond academics, Martin built successful athletic programs in softball, football, baseball, and basketball, earning multiple championships and Boston Globe Coach of the Year honors. Above all, he was admired for his dedication, integrity, and genuine care for every student and athlete he mentored.
Mary K. Gaffney dedicated decades of service to Pentucket Regional High School, shaping generations of students through her leadership, creativity, and compassion. Beginning in the 1970s, she became a defining figure in school culture as director of beloved theatrical productions including Grease, Guys and Dolls, and The Sound of Music, helping students build confidence, identity, and lasting memories. As a longtime class advisor, mentor, and trusted supporter, she guided students through formative moments with care and encouragement. Beyond the classroom, she strengthened the broader community through school traditions, faculty mentorship, civic leadership as Groveland Town Moderator, and work as a counselor. Her enduring legacy reflects dedication, humanity, and a lifelong commitment to education and community.
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Dr. Richard Gabriel is a pioneering computer scientist best known for helping shape Lisp and modern programming language design. He co-designed Common Lisp and the Common Lisp Object System, which influenced languages like Java, JavaScript, and C#. Working with Al pioneer John McCarthy, he also created the influential Gabriel Benchmarks for measuring programming performance. Beyond research, he co-founded Lucid Inc. and held leadership roles at Sun Microsystems and IBM. Gabriel's essay "Worse Is Better" remains widely discussed in software engineering. He also strengthened the computing community through conferences, publications, and mentorship, earning honors including ACM Fellow and the AAAI/ACM Allen Newell Award.
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After graduating from Pentucket in 1996 and while he was still a student at UMass Lowell, Zach returned to Pentucket to form what would become the highly successful percussion program. After leading the program for 12 years, Zach left to create Zach Field Drums and Music. Along with his wife Sacha ('97) they recently founded the ZFDM Music Foundation, with their mission to make music accessible to all youth in our community by offering scholarships for lessons and music camps, supporting in-school music programs, and providing instruments. Zach and his wife believe music can transform lives by giving kids an outlet for self-expression and providing opportunities for mentorship and connection with a trusted teacher.
Since graduating from Pentucket, Channing has risen to the top of her profession and become a highly sought-after performer, instructor, and contemporary dance choreographer. Her success on So You Think You Can Dance launched her career, leading to numerous opportunities in live performances, television, music videos, and movies, including Dancing with the Stars and the Academy Awards. Channing travels extensively throughout the United States, performing, teaching, and choreographing. She is currently one of the lead instructors for Dance Makers Inc., which gives her the opportunity to teach and inspire thousands of young dancers each year.
Ellen Burke devoted 30 years to the Pentucket Regional School District and transformed its Fine and Performing Arts program into one of the region's most respected and comprehensive educational offerings. Serving 26 years as department chair, she championed the arts as an essential part of student growth and identity, expanding programs in music, theater, visual arts, videography, jazz, orchestra, and choral studies while creating a rigorous K-12 curriculum still used today. A visionary leader and tireless advocate, she founded community partnerships such as the Pentucket Arts Foundation, established signature programs including the Fine Arts Festival and Performing Arts Series, and mentored generations of educators and students. Widely admired for her leadership, creativity, and dedication, Ellen's lasting legacy continues through a scholarship, The Ellen Burke-Hart Scholarship, which recognizes a PRSD student pursuing the arts in college, in order to shape the Pentucket community and inspire future generations.
Tommy Beaton earned 11 varsity letters across 12 seasons at Pentucket. In addition to playing quarterback, point guard, and shortstop, he was elected captain of all three teams. As a senior, he was named the Cape Ann League Most Valuable Player in both football and basketball and earned All-Star honors in baseball. He was also the first Pentucket athlete to compete in all three Agganis All-Star Games. Tommy went on to play football and baseball at Bates College, where he earned All-Conference honors in both sports as a senior and served as captain of both teams. Tommy is now the head football coach at the Williston Northampton School, widely recognized as having one of the top high school football programs in New England.