After ten years of hard work, Nashoba Valley Technical High School Superintendent Dr. Denise Pigeon received the President’s Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) in recognition of her “outstanding contribution to education,” as stated on her award plaque.
Pigeon has served as Superintendent since February 2016, although her time at Nashoba Tech spans more than two decades. She first joined the district in 2005, where she worked for five years as the Tech’s Director of Curriculum and Grants and then six years as its Principal.
“It was an honor to be nominated by my peers for this award,” Pigeon said. “This school district is so special to me. I have been here for so long. I am completely invested in making sure that this organization, as well as every student and staff member that passes through it, has the absolute best experience they possibly can. I love having the opportunity in my current role as superintendent to support in driving that vision forward.”
M.A.S.S. originated in 1973 and is the only statewide organization in Massachusetts dedicated to the professional and advocacy concerns of School and Assistant Superintendents. Three other Superintendents were honored alongside Pigeon at the 2026 M.A.S.S. President’s Awards at the association’s annual Spring Meeting on May 21: Peter Dillon of Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Amy McKinstry of Northbridge Public Schools, and Thea Stovell Herndon of Randolph Public Schools.
The Chair of the NVTHS School Committee, Charlie Ellis, noted that, “the Nashoba Tech School Committee and the NT family are very proud of Dr. Pigeon’s statewide recognition,” according to a statement on Nashoba Tech’s website.
Pigeon said she always knew that she wanted to guide others. After gaining her Masters degree in the early 2000s, she became involved in teaching other educators how to use technology as an educational tool.
“I realized that in addition to teaching, I really like helping other teachers. That’s really what started me down the path of administration,” Pigeon said. “When I came to Nashoba in 2005, the position I came into as Curriculum Director [of Grants] is a position that works really closely with teachers.”
From there, she supported the former principal Victor Kiloski and former superintendent Dr. Judith Klimkiewicz making master schedules, opening programs and assisting with daily administrative tasks. She was incredibly eager to learn and threw herself into any project she could.
Though she has loved every role in which she has served, Pigeon found her former position as principal to be “an incredibly rewarding experience.”
“As principal, I had the opportunity to work closely with both students and teachers. It really was absolutely amazing. I loved being involved in everything, sharing in all of their achievements and accomplishments. It was a wonderful job.”
She added that, “I loved being a principal … But when there was a sudden opening after [Klimkiewicz’s] retirement, I thought, ‘Here’s my chance to bring that vision forward for the school district.’ And here I am.”
Pigeon’s commitment to education has also reached a state level, as in addition to her work with Nashoba Tech, she has also served as an officer through the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) for the past five years and is currently the Association’s Past President, a one year position where she will help the new MAVA President adjust to their role.
She also previously served as President of the Merrimack Valley Superintendents Roundtable and currently serves as a Board Member of Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS). Pigeon has also served multiple years on the M.A.S.S. Executive Committee and continues to play a key role on the K–12 Graduation Council, advising the Governor’s appointed council on the future of Massachusetts graduation requirements.
“I love to provide opportunities for professional development,” Pigeon said. “If there’s something new coming out, I’m the type of person that loves to read everything about it, and make sure everybody knows what’s happened and what are things we can do to make sure we’re ready.”
Going forward, Pigeon will assist with a curriculum and physical expansion of Nashoba Tech. With a workforce guide’s capital grant of $3.25M, the Tech will expand its instructional spaces and add two programs, HVAC technician and Facilities Management, both of which are “high-demand” vocational programs, according to Pigeon.
NVTHS has also been accepted into an accelerated repair program with the MASS School Building Authority, and is looking to upgrade its heat-pumps with geothermal energy. It will be a three-year project in collaboration with the Town of Westford.
In the meantime, Pigeon is gearing up over the summer for her 11th year as Superintendent and 22nd year overall at Nashoba Tech.
“Helping others and being a part of supporting people and helping them achieve their dreams provides me great joy. It always has,” Pigeon said. “Time flies when you’re doing what you love.”
