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By Joao Ferreira
Standard-Times staff writer
June 12, 2008 6:00 AM
LAKEVILLE — People who know Joe Simas — pretty m...
By Joao Ferreira
Standard-Times staff writer
June 12, 2008 6:00 AM
LAKEVILLE — People who know Joe Simas — pretty much everybody in town — know he is quite the gabber.
Mr. Simas, the beloved, retired Apponequet Regional High School principal, talks to people in supermarkets and restaurants, and even talks back to the television during sports events.
On Wednesday evening, however, Mr. Simas used few words — a simple "thank you" — during a dedication ceremony to express his gratitude for the naming of the high school lecture hall in his honor.
"To everyone here this evening, let me say from the bottom of my heart, thank you," Mr. Simas, 74, said before expressing his gratitude to everybody from officials in Freetown and Lakeville to the "cafeteria ladies" for what he called a "wonderful adventure."
"All of you have enriched my life beyond measure," Mr. Simas said. "You have given me more than I can ever give in return."
Mr. Simas' career spanned 32 years; he was a guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal at Apponequet and acting superintendent of the Freetown-Lakeville district.
Large burgundy letters now identify the lecture hall as the "Joseph C. Simas Jr. Lecture Hall." The dedication stemmed from an effort started by former colleague Claudia Soares.
The dedication ceremony attracted a large crowd to Apponequet, and Mr. Simas seemed to greet each person individually.
Mr. Simas' daughter, Leah Callan, said it was only fitting that a lect