Congratulations to our 2022 Retirees

Mr. Steve Walker

Mr. Steve Walker has been a teacher, a coach, and an administrator retiring after 34 years of service here at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech.

Coach Walker graduated from GNBVT in 1983. He was a diligent student who played hockey, football and track. After graduating Steve went right to Bridgewater State College where he studied to teach science before returning to GNBVT and became a science teacher where he taught for many years. Before long Mr. Walker became the science department head where he started his journey as an administrator. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Walker transitioned into Academy Administrator.

Mr. Walker helped develop the Legal and Protective Services program. Which began 12 years ago. From the development of curriculum, hiring of teaching staff, acquiring equipment, building relationships with community partners to increase relevant student experiences; he has been able to watch this program grow to one the most sought after programs in our school.

Over the years Steve has always dedicated himself to the life of GNBVT outside of the classroom, ever present at student activities, and continually dedicated to coaching track and field as well as football.

One of the hallmarks of Steve’s career is having coached both of his son’s Jarrod and Justyn in football here at Voc-Tech. They both went on to play sports in college. Coach Walker coached freshman football this year, in his year of retirement alongside his son Coach Justyn Walker, which really was the “grand finale” to his career.

Mr. Walker plans to spend his retirement  at his  log cabin up in Maine that he has been working on for many years with his German Shepherd, Jackson, and his lovely wife Carol Ann. Mr. Walker, GNBVT wishes you the best in your next chapter and a long and happy retirement.

Ms. Jean Canastra

After a long and successful career at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, Information Technology Related Teacher, Ms. Jean Canastra retired the first week of February 2022.

Ms. Canastra began her career at GNB Voc-Tech in 1988 as a Typing Keyboard Teacher’s Aide for one year. Shortly after, she moved into the position of a Special Education Teaching Assistant where she spent the next five years before transitioning into the role of an administrative assistant in the office overseeing Federal Grants for six years. In 2000, Jean transitioned into the role of the Information Technology Related Teacher.

Over her 34-year tenure, she has seen many students and their children pass through her classroom door. She was passionate about getting her students certified in the Microsoft Office Suite (MOS). She even had one student who was nationally recognized for his excellence in the MO Suite, specifically with the Excel Program. She was extremely helpful preparing her students to compete in BPA (Business Professionals of America) where many of her students went on to earn top honors at the local, state, and national levels.

One thing you may not know about Jean was that she is an avid Harley Davison motorcycle biker and tours often. Jean also loves her fast convertible sports cars. She travels whenever the opportunity arises and loves telling you about her unexpected exploits upon returning!

Jean has always been a welcoming teacher who had empathy for all students as she would go above and beyond for them. Her welcoming smile and signature laugh will be missed, but not forgotten.

Mrs. June Meunier

After a 20 year career at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, Mrs. Meunier is retiring at the end of the school year. June has played many roles in the English Department over her many years at GNBVT. June is known by her colleagues as the foundation of the English department at our school — she has served in so many capacities. If there was a job to be done, June was sure to be the person to do it, and do it well.

In her spare time, you can find Mrs. Meunier hanging in Newport, and spending time with her family and huge network of friends. After retirement, June plans on spending time doing what she loves and spending her time with the people she cares for most.

June is also known for her personality and outstanding sense of humor and wit. You can always count on laughing when Mrs. Meunier is around. June is loved by her department and will be sorely missed as she ends her career at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. We wish Mrs. Meunier a long, healthy, happy retirement.

Mrs. Debra Allain

After over 30 years of service at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, Mrs. Allain retired in September of 2021. Mrs. Allain began her career working with Mr. Lipp in Early Childhood Education before moving into the library and working as the Library Media Assistant for 10 years. Mrs. Allain also worked as a class advisor and yearbook advisor.

In her spare time, Mrs. Allain enjoys spending time with her husband, children and seven grandchildren. She is an avid cook, gardener and loves to travel. During her retirement, Mrs. Allain plans to travel often, and care for her grandchildren.

Mr. Steve Paul

After 28 years of service after working in the mental health field in hospital, crisis center and in-patient settings, and Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. Mr. Paul is retiring at the end of this school year. Mr. Paul specializes in assisting students through coping with grief and loss, dealing with the effects of substance use and abuse, finding services for students and families with emerging mental health diagnosis and assisting faculty and staff in understanding the effects that mental health challenges impose on academic and behavioral functioning.

During his time at GNBVT, Mr. Paul has always been an avid supporter of extracurriculars for Voc-Tech students including attending sporting events for all sports teams, Prom/After Prom, Graduation, often attending with his wife Janey and son, Adrian.

Mr. Paul spent some time coaching Girls Soccer and Softball and Spearheaded several of the Guidance Protocols and Procedures that are still in use in our school today. Mr. Paul is admired by his colleagues and mentors several current and former Guidance staff and building Administrators. Mr. Paul has had a hand in the success of several hundred former students, assisting them in making the transition to becoming self-reliant, independent adults who attribute their success to his influence and advocacy. Mr. Paul has always been a consistent face in our cafeteria, with his impeccable style and signature smile every time he greeted students or staff. GNBVT wishes Mr. Paul a happy, healthy retirement.