WESTFORD — Westford celebrated former Westford Academy Principal James Antonelli at the Franco-American Club on Sunday, where he reflected on his 30-year career at the Academy with friends and family.
Antonelli announced his departure in late June, accepting a new job as Dean of Special Projects at Newburyport High School set to begin this fall.
Former Dean of Students Daniel Twomey will succeed Antonelli as principal in the fall, where Antonelli believes he will make a “good transition”.
“Pride” of Westford
Antonelli first attended Westford Academy as a student in the 1980’s. He returned shortly as a football coach, where he “fell in love with working with students” before becoming a teacher.
As a life-long Westford resident, he admires what he calls the “pride and ownership” of Westford.
“It [WA] just provided me with a real passionate love for my school…[The] people at Westford Academy changed the course of my life and created opportunities for me,” Antonelli told WestfordCAT.
Former Westford Academy teacher Bill Cody, who Antonelli described as his “second dad,” is one such impactful figure. Cody inspired Antonelli to attend Salem State College for his master’s program. Antonelli credits Cody as his inspiration to begin his career in education.
“It was really nice to have somebody in my corner who was a former teacher of mine,” he said.
He also recognized former Westford Academy Principal Bill McGuirk and former Superintendent of Schools John Crisafulli and former Superintendent of Schools Bill Olsen as figures who coached and supported him throughout the years.
Connections with students and colleagues
As principal, Antonelli practiced an “open door policy” and student and faculty connection.
“I always wanted to stay very connected to the students and make sure they know they can approach and communicate with me,” he said.
He found these relationships with students to be the most fulfilling aspects of his job.
“Seeing my students come back and really appreciate the great place we have is so rewarding to me,” Antonelli said.
His time at Westford Academy also taught him “how to pivot” and adapt to new challenges, such as COVID-19. During the pandemic, Antonelli says he leaned on the support of the “great people” around him.
“You don’t [have] to try and do everything on your own, because if you do something’s going to fall through the cracks. People want to help, so open your arms and say ‘okay, let’s do this together,’” he said.
Antonelli moves on to next chapter
As he prepares to move to Newburyport, Antonelli looks forward to embracing Newburyport’s traditions, continuing to learn as an educator, and spending time with his family before retirement.
He thanked the Westford community for “thirty years of a really great institution, where parents and students care about their education and about the community.”
He added, “it means a lot and it gives me a great sense of pride. I think I’ve left the school, hopefully, in a good place.”
