SHS Alumni Association name Honored Guests for 2011 Annual Events

Each year, the Springfield High School Alumni Association (SHSAA) selects an individual as “Honored Guest” to recognize the contributions and difference that person has made for our children, citizens, schools and/or community.

This year, the Association has broken tradition and have chosen both Bob and Barbara Forguites, for we just couldn’t honor one without the other.

The SHSAA officers and trustees made the selection in early January; however, sadly, Barb lost her long and courageous battle with cancer prior to learning of the honor to be bestowed upon them.

Bob and Barb came to Springfield in 1978 with their son, Adam. Bob is a native of Brandon, Vermont and Barb had resided in Connecticut, Kansas and New Jersey prior to moving to Springfield. Both quickly immersed themselves into their new community and became involved in numerous community service projects and endeavors.

Bob had been manager of the Windsor office of the First National Bank and transferred to the main office in Springfield where he was Auditor until 1993. He went to work as Comptroller for the Town of Springfield in 1994 and became Town Manager in 1998. Anyone that knows Bob, knows that it is difficult to find anyone more diligent to achieving whatever task is at hand. He has been committed to his duties and responsibilities in managing the affairs of the Town for the past thirteen years. As a long-time member of the Springfield Rotary Club, he lives by their motto: “service above self”.

Barb was a devoted Special Education Teacher in Springfield School District for 25 years, retiring in 2009. She was highly regarded and beloved by her associates and the children for whom she was a passionate advocate. She and Bob worked hand-in-hand on many school and community projects.

Bob and Barb will be honored at the Annual SHSAA banquet on Friday evening, June 17th to be held at the Elks Club in Springfield. To join us in this celebration, please contact Mary MacMahan at 885-3170 or Brenda Markwell at 886-8085 for reservations. Bob will also walk in the “Happy 250th. Birthday, Springfield” parade scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday June 18th. SHS alumni