May 10, 2007

BMR Music Director “Teacher of the Year” 

BLACKSTONE….Blackstone Millville Regional High School’s music director, Ronald “Buddy” Bibeault has spent nearly every work day as a music educator at the local high school on the stage of the Molony-Sullivan Auditorium.   While he is no stranger to that forum, he was definitely surprised when the supposed sequence of performance for a school assembly honoring “National Teacher Day” was interrupted by Principal Richard A. Porter.   Unfazed, Bibeault stood to the audience’s stage left and listened attentively as Porter announced the educator selected for the honor.

By accounts, as Porter read a brief resume of the 29 year BMRHS veteran, his educational credentials including a degree from the prestigious Berklee College of Music and further studies at the New England Conservatory of Music, Bibeault who is characteristically humble looked down.   Bibeault’s musical career began at an early age with the Woonsocket native’s membership in the former St. Joseph’s Telstars Drum and Bugle Corps and then leadership roles with the Matador Drum and Bugle Corps.   The experience has served him and his BMR students well.  

“Mr. Bibeault is a truly dedicated Master Teacher” said Porter “We are lucky to have him (at BMRHS) for this and hopefully many more years.”   Lauded by Porter as a mentor and friend to faculty and students alike, Bibeault has lead the “BMR Chargers’ Marching Band" to win 2 National Marching Band Championships; 7 New England Marching Band Championships; 20 consecutive gold star ratings at the MICCA Marching Band Festival; helped get the local band to participate in the “Tournament of Roses Parade” in Pasadena, CA, “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” in New York City and “Gimbal’s Thanksgiving Parade” in Philadelphia along with Thomas Hessney, former music director.   He has been elected to the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Association Hall of Fame.   Earlier in 2007, the BMR band placed a scant .2 points from winning the U.S.S.B.A. National Championship in Annapolis, Maryland.

Additionally, Porter introduced Debra Ristaino from the Woonsocket Wal-Mart who presented Bibeault with the local store’s designation as “Teacher of the Year” and presented Bibeault and Porter with a grant for $1,000, and a $100 gift card for classroom supplies.

Blackstone-Millville Regional High School was established in 1970.   It consists of students from the towns of Blackstone and Millville, is located at 175 Lincoln Street in Blackstone, Massachusetts and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.

“Bibeault and BMRHS honored” BMR Music Director Ronald “Buddy” Bibeault was named local “Teacher of the Year” by the Woonsocket Wal-Mart.   As part of the award, Blackstone-Millville Regional High School received a grant for $1,000.   Present at a school assembly honoring National Teachers’ Day were (from left to right) Rachel Budd, BMRHS Class of 2002 and Wal-Mart assistant manager, BMRHS Principal Richard A. Porter, Bibeault, Debra Ristaino and Christine Dubois both from Wal-Mart. (BMRHS photograph/R.M.Lafayette)