Salute to Framingham Recipients

Beth Herrmann and Abby Anderson
Salute To Framingham Recipients
from Walsh Middle School

Beth Herrmann

We have had the honor of having Beth as a teacher at Walsh for the past ten years. Not only is she an amazing teacher, but she is also involved in many facets of the school; that it’s hard to list them all.

Primarily, Beth is a special education teacher for students in our learning center program. She teaches English Language Arts for the 7th and 8th grade. Beth also teaches Wilson Reading. Her dedication to the students is astounding. She does an amazing job generating creative lessons that keep her students engaged and challenged, while still promoting a sense of confidence and success.

Beth goes above and beyond all our expectations. She always has the students’ best interest in mind. Most times, Beth is with students in groups reading The Outsiders or coaching students individually on how they can improve and make good choices. She makes the learning “real” and “practical” for her students.

She is a strong advocate for her students and will do anything for them. They all rely on her greatly and it doesn’t hurt that they all think she is “cool” too. We asked some students, “What makes Mrs. Herrmann special?” They answered, “She believes in me.” “Mrs. Herrmann is fair.” “She makes reading fun, even though I don’t like it much.”

Beth has coached track at Walsh for many years. She takes the students to the Boston Athletic Association Relay Races every April before the marathon to compete with other middle schools. The students have a fantastic time and get to meet professional Olympic marathon runners as well as experience running to the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Beth is also a Mazie Mentor. She works with a former Walsh student. Beth has been an amazing mentor to this young lady and has taken her on college tours and community service events.

Beth serves on many committees for Walsh and the district. She was a member of the Middle School Literacy Committee last year, and also serves as a PTO and School Council teacher representative. Beth has been a team leader for the past two years, and organizes the annual Walsh 5k road race that raises money for various local charities.

 Amazingly, Beth is extremely humble. She never seeks attention for her accomplishments and often seems surprised when praised. Simply put, Beth is remarkable! She is easily one of the best educators we have ever come across. For all of these achievements, Beth is truly special.




                                                                      *************



Abby Anderson

 Walsh Middle School is extremely fortunate to have a member of its community who provides not only essential services to his colleagues every day, but also friendship and guidance. Abby Anderson has been a custodian for the Framingham Public School for the past 22 years, most of these of these years at Walsh Middle School. During this time, he has assisted many teachers with any possible classroom dilemma imaginable. In doing so, he always shows patience and kindness as well as a wonderful sense of humor. There are many challenges during a “normal” school week such as jammed lockers, keeping up with the cafeteria, juggling and assisting two gyms filled with a Shakespeare festival, or a Special Olympics event with over 500 people. He meets each challenge with excellence and tremendous pride in his work.


Abby also serves as a fantastic example to our students. He is one of the heroes among us at Walsh and every morning he greets the teachers, students and parents by proudly raising our American flag. Abby is a Unites States Marine, Veteran of the Vietnam War and a Purple Heart recipient. For over two decades he has been a member of the Framingham Veterans Council. Along with other veterans, Abby leads the group as Officer of the Day, actively participating in the ceremonies on Memorial and Veterans Day. At the annual Walsh Veterans Day tribute, Abby is an important contributor to the day’s events. He shares his Vietnam experiences with students of the 6th grade class and teaches them invaluable lessons.


On a daily basis, students are able to experience and value this amazing and hard working individual who is worthy of tremendous respect. He is one who has proudly served his country and continues to contribute to his home town community.


It is with great gratitude and pride that all of us at Walsh say thank you to Abby Anderson. Abby Anderson, you are special.