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Date: 10/11/2023
AGAWAM — The dedication of the William Sapelli Elementary School this month also honored Sapelli’s nearly 50 years of service and dedication to students that has earned him much respect and admiration in Agawam.
The Oct. 3 ceremony took place outside the Begley Street school on an unusually warm fall evening. School Committee members, city councilors, School Superintendent Sheila Hoffman, staff and students from Sapelli School, principals from the district’s other schools, retired Agawam educators and Sapelli’s friends and family gathered to celebrate a new chapter in the history of the elementary school that opened in 1959 as Robinson Park School.
A current and former student from the school kicked off the event, as Jacob Wallace, a fourth grader, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, while Mara Winer sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Shelley Borgatti-Reed, vice chair of the School Committee, served as master of ceremonies. She said Sapelli, who has been chair of the committee for the past five-plus years in his role as mayor, isn’t just a colleague, he’s also a mentor and a good friend she trusts and admires.
She said Sapelli, a former principal at the school, has contributed much to Agawam students and their education.
“Anyone who knows Bill knows how truly dedicated he is to Agawam,” she said. “He was an inspirational coach, a teacher, a principal, a superintendent, and now our mayor — 46 years of dedication to our town.”
Hoffman said she was influenced by Sapelli’s leadership and was unofficially mentored by him. She was appointed superintendent in 2020.
“Bill anticipates problems and effectively communicates to reduce conflict when possible. He taught me the value of personalized communication, and how putting a little more time upfront, saves time and headaches after,” she said.
Hoffman said Sapelli is straightforward, with no hidden agendas or ulterior motives.
“He speaks to facts, gets to the bottom of situations and his intent always comes from the heart,” she said. “Lastly, he gives credit to others.”
Lou Conte Sr., former athletic director for Agawam schools, has been a close friend of Sapelli for more than 50 years. He said Sapelli has the same qualities today as he did when they played ball together.
“Bill worked extremely hard as an athlete to reach his potential. And he was a very encouraging team player — two combinations we look for in leadership.”
Conte said “there could be no better name that could go on this building.” He said both he and his brother were students at the school and are “extremely proud” to see it named after Sapelli.
Another individual who’s known Sapelli for more than five decades is City Councilor Gerry Smith, who started coaching Sapelli when he was 15 years old. It was Smith who proposed renaming Robinson Park School, which had been the only one of Agawam’s four elementary schools not named after a former school superintendent.
He said Sapelli “always does the right thing” and thanked him for all he’s done for the town: “It’s been my pleasure to have known you. It’s just wonderful to be here for this occasion. No one in the town has given more than you.”
Stephanie Harris, principal of Sapelli School, said it was “an honor and a privilege” to pay tribute to Sapelli.
“His dedication and unwavering commitment have shaped the lives of countless individuals in our community,” Harris said. “Your legacy is now etched into the walls of our building and in the hearts of our community.”
To commemorate the special occasion, Harris introduced three current Sapelli students who shared with the mayor what their school means to them.
Fourth grader Saege Holloman said the school has been part of her life since kindergarten: “It’s a special place that I appreciate. Mr. Sapelli, it’s so special that you were principal here and now the school is named after you.”
Third grader Elizabeth Maslyanskaya said she’s happy about the school’s new name.
“This is a great school that’s fun, has the best teachers and gives us more and more learning every day,” she said.
Second grader Nico Pisano said he loves the school: “Everybody is so nice and kind. Thank you for being part of our amazing school.”
Sapelli’s son Michael said the renaming is not only a tremendous honor for his father, but for all who share the name.
“We’ll be able to look up at the school and see his name on that building. It’s a very fitting and well-deserved honor,” Michael Sapelli said.
The mayor’s daughter Laura said she will probably never get used to seeing his name on a school where she spent many years, nights and weekends while her father was doing work, “but I can say how much we’re all proud of you.”
Niece Krista Sapelli said her uncle lives orange and brown.
“He’s devoted almost 50 years to Agawam and no one deserves this more than your mayor, my uncle. I hope he knows how proud I am of it,” Krista Sapelli said.
The final speaker, the guest of honor, said this was the most prestigious honor an educator can have.
“Just phenomenal,” the mayor said. “I’m so honored and humbled by this experience and by all these friends who showed up — people I haven’t seen in quite some time. It’s just amazing. … I can’t thank those individuals enough who were part of getting this accomplished. I know it wasn’t easy. It was a lot of work — and I didn’t mean to create work for others. But this is a great night for me and I can’t thank you enough. I’m so proud and so happy that this turned out the way it did.”