Schools

2026 Perkins School for the Blind Graduation Ceremony Includes Address by Lt. Gov. Driscoll

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Graduate Hugh celebrates with Perkins Chair of the Board Steve Pelletier, left, and Massachusetts Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll during the 2026 commencement ceremony. (Courtesy of Perkins)

Perkins School for the Blind celebrated the Class of 2026 during a graduation ceremony on Friday, and the commencement speaker was one of the highest elected officials in Massachusetts. See more in the announcement from the Perkins School for the Blind, below. Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of Perkins School for the Blind on Friday, June 26, 2026. Perkins School for the Blind, a global leader in education services for children and young adults with disabilities, celebrated 18 graduates this year as they prepare for the next stage of their lives.

Schools

New Head of Perkins School for the Blind Looks to Build on Legacy, Advocate for the Visually Impaired

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Perkins School for the Blind President and CEO David Barth, right, speaks with a student during the White Cane Walk. (Courtesy of Perkins School for the Blind)

David Barth did not take the most direct route to becoming Perkins School for the Blind’s President and CEO, but he told Watertown News that the work helping some of the most vulnerable children get the education, services, and rights that they deserve is something he has done during his whole career. Barth joined the Perkins team in September 2025, after many years working on behalf of children around the globe with the U.S. government (including USAID) and non-governmental organizations, most recently as Vice President of International Programs at Save the Children. Barth is Perkins’ 11th director, and he said taking over an institution with a long and storied history of work for the blind and visually impaired is an awesome responsibility. “So this job is a privilege, because you get to conduct this orchestra of really, really, really talented people who are really, really committed,” Barth said.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Respond to Online Threat at Perkins School

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Perkins School for the BlindThe Howe Building at Perkins School for the Blind. Police responded to an online threat directed at Perkins School for the Blind on Thursday, May 21. The Watertown Police sent out a statement about the incident. Read it below. This morning , The Watertown Police Department became aware of a past threat involving Perkins School.

Business

Perkins Students Learn Life Skills Working at Local Businesses & Organizations

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Perkins School for the Blind student Hugh helps Watertown Savings Bank sort coins as part of a work experience partnership. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Students from Perkins School for the Blind have the opportunity to expand their education by leaving campus and learning on the job by working for businesses and organizations in and around Watertown. The school has developed partnerships with multiple employers, including Watertown Savings Bank and the Mount Auburn Cemetery, where students spend time each week. Hugh, a student at Perkins, heads over to the main branch of Watertown Savings each week to help the bank manage all the coins that come into the bank. “My job is I go behind the bank and behind to where they kept the coins, then open up the rolls, and then put it into a machine, so they count it and then sort it into a bag,” Hugh said.

Entertainment

Annual Holiday Concerts at Perkins School for the Blind Celebrate the Season

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Perkins School for the Blind’s Chorus Chamber Singers will perform in two Holiday Concerts. (Photo from Perkins School)

Perkins School for the Blind students will perform in the school’s annual Holiday Concerts on its campus in Watertown. The public is invited to attend the free event. See details provided by the school, below. Get into the holiday spirit with festive music performed by students at Perkins School for the Blind, featuring traditional and popular carols, classical music, choral arrangements and instrumental works.

Entertainment

Cambridge Symphony Orchestra Presents 40th Annual Free “Holiday Welcome” at Perkins School for the Blind

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The following announcement was provided by the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra:

On Monday, November 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM, the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will return to the Howe Building at the Perkins School for the Blind (175 N. Beacon St., Watertown) for its 40th annual “Holiday Welcome” concert — a beloved free event open to all. This year’s program features a festive selection of holiday favorites, designed to delight audiences of all ages and to set the tone for the 2025-26 season. The concert underscores CSO’s commitment to community engagement, accessibility, and bringing live orchestral music to broader audiences. Click here for tickets. “We are honored to mark four decades of our Holiday Welcome tradition at Perkins,” said Music Director Cynthia Woods.

Around Town

Second Empowering Watertown in Women Workshop Features First Responders, a Disability Advocate & Entrepreneurs

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The tent at the Commander’s Mansion was full for the second Empowering Women in Watertown in August to hear from female first responders, a librarian and disabilities advocate, and entrepreneurs who started fitness and studios Watertown. During the first panel, Watertown Police Officers Kerry Kelley and Anna Margaryan (and her police dog, Raider), joined with Firefighter/Paramedic Kate Boudreau to share their experiences as women working in male-dominated professions. The workshop also focused on Wellness, Community Action, and Communications. Other presenters included:

• Liz Padula, Founder of Artemis Yoga, will lead an interactive presentation about wellness• Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Braille and Talking Book Library at Perkins, will share insights on advocacy and community action• Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, will give closing remarks on building relationships and connection

Other presenters were Jan Taylor, who talked about starting Get Lively Health & Fitness Studio in her home and how she grew the business; and Julia Dunoyer, who first started working on the front desk at Artemis and now works full time as the studio’s marketing and client relations manager. Attendees also had the option of getting a professional headshot session with Natalie Nigito Photography, and enjoyed coffee, tea and baked goods provided by O’some Café

View the Empowering Women http://vodwcatv.org/internetchannel/show/4043?site=1

Women in Business, Non-Profit & City Government Speak at Sold Out Event in Watertown

Schools

Perkins Employee Receives Award for Outstanding Contributions to Special Education

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Cristy Lonardo, Coordinator of Residential Living at Perkins School for the Blind. The following announcement was provided by the Mass. Association of Approved Private Schools:

On Thursday, May 1, the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools (MAAPS) held its annual spring board meeting and awards ceremony, spotlighting teaching excellence and outstanding contributions to special education over the past year. 

Cristy Lonardo, Coordinator of Residential Living at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, was presented the Albert E. Trieschman Direct Service Award, acknowledging superior direct service contributions to special needs children by a clinician, specialist or child care worker. For over a decade, Lonardo has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the residential program at Perkins, fostering a nurturing and open environment that builds trust among families and where creativity flourishes. Cristy’s ongoing participation in special events showcases her investment in the broader community and her advocacy for students with complex needs.