On December 28, AHS Performing Arts Instrumental Director Sabato D’Agostino was standing on the field at Fenway Park, hearing his name announced, and waving to the almost packed audience at halftime. Mr. “D”, as he is known to his students, was standing with his fellow Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll recipients. The honorees had been chosen by a team at The Boston Globe and Fenway Sports Management out of over 400 nominees working in education across New England. Each educator was deemed an “...inspiration…”, among the many in the area who “...have gone above and beyond to support their students and respective communities.”
The award celebration included box seats for the winners and their guests at a football game between the teams from Boston College and Southern Methodist University. Prior to the game, the honorees shared food, drinks, and entertainment during a party that Wasabi hosted at the House of Blues. This event included performances by the marching bands from each school. Additionally, each Honor Roll class member received a grant of $1000 to spend as they wish their schools.
Wasabi, a cloud storage company, launched the Honor Roll in 2020 to recognize the “...tireless efforts of educators…” and “...the power of education.” Reflecting on the experience of being one of the honorees, Mr. “D” had this to say: “I was, and am, absolutely honored to have been part of this ceremony and to have received this incredible award.”
Additionally, Mr. D’Agostino was in West Virginia in November as a guest lecturer at the All-State Music Convention held at Wesleyan College in Buckhannon. Mr. “D” was recommended to the Director of the Wesleyan College Athletic Band Robert Parker who was looking for two engaging speakers for the event. The topic of his talk was Taking your ensembles to the next level through empowering your students. The elements considered during the session include recommendations on classroom equipment, ideas on how to engage and empower students that vary in backgrounds and talents, and suggested steps to follow throughout the year, among other things
It is always gratifying to have APS educators recognized for their abilities and dedication to their students and to be asked to share their talents with others in the field. Regarding his participation at the Convention, Mr. D’Agostino had this to say: “It was wonderful to share my 25 years of AHS experience with colleagues from another state. They looked so interested and eager to learn. It was truly an inspiring experience to me.”
