All VPA News VPA Hall of Fame, Class of 2025 Announced Posted on February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 February 17, 2025 VPA announces its Hall of Fame Class of 2025 MONTPELIER – Eight standout student-athletes, two excellent officials, two accomplished coaches, one exceptional member of the media, and one outstanding administrator have been selected for induction into the Hall of Fame for the Vermont Principals’ Association in May. Below is a list of the 2025 VPA inductees with brief biographical information on their outstanding achievements and strong sportsmanship through involvement with VPA activities. Since the creation of the Hall of Fame in 2001, the VPA has now honored over 300 student-athletes, coaches/advisors, administrators, officials, media members, and contributors for their efforts on behalf of students across Vermont. Student-Athletes Don Allard was an exceptional multi-sport athlete at Bellows Free Academy (BFA) in the late 1950s. He was a key player on the legendary BFA football team that went undefeated and won state championships in 1958 and 1959, playing tight end and blocking alongside teammate and VPA Hall of Famer Ollie Dunlap. In track and field, Allard was equally impressive, winning the Vermont State Discus Championship in 1960 with a throw of 146-feet-11-inches, a record that still stands at BFA today. He was a member of the state champion medley relay team and a finalist in the 100-yard dash. After high school, Allard earned a football scholarship to Michigan State University, where he was recognized as an outstanding young player in the Big Ten, but an injury ended his career. Following athletics, Allard became an educator, coach, and successful entrepreneur, continuing to inspire young athletes throughout his life. Elizabeth Burnham was an extraordinary multi-sport athlete at Oxbow Union High School in Bradford, achieving remarkable distinctions across multiple sports. She became the first Oxbow student to record over 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds in basketball, leading her teams to 74 consecutive wins and three state championships. Named Oxbow’s top female athlete in 1986-87, Burnham earned 12 varsity letters, demonstrating exceptional versatility and athletic talent, including three field hockey state championships as well. Her baseball skills propelled her to play professionally with the Colorado Silver Bullets women’s baseball team, breaking traditional gender barriers in sports. Beyond her athletic achievements, Burnham was inducted into both the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame and Lyndon State College Athletic Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as one of Vermont’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes of her generation. Lou DiMasi III was an exceptional defenseman at Burlington High School, where he played four years of varsity hockey and served as both assistant and team captain. In his senior year, DiMasi was named Division 1 Player of the Year, First Team All-State, and “Mr. Hockey” by the Burlington Free Press. He scored 17 goals and 19 assists in 21 games, earning MVP honors in multiple senior showcase games. His defensive skills and leadership made him a standout player who consistently demonstrated exceptional hockey talent. He also was a standout for the BHS golf team. At Norwich University, DiMasi was a 2 time All-American, helping Norwich win a national championship in 2004. After graduating, DiMasi played four years of professional hockey. From there, DiMasi continued to support Vermont hockey by coaching the Burlington High School boys’ team for seven seasons, showing his ongoing commitment to the sport and community. His transition from player to coach exemplified his dedication to developing young athletes and maintaining the high standards of Vermont high school hockey. Dalyn Drown was an exceptional multi-sport athlete at Northfield High School from 1988-1991, winning 8 out of 10 VPA State Championships in soccer, hockey, and baseball. A three-sport captain and All-State selection, Drown was particularly outstanding in baseball, where he maintained a .415 batting average, .640 slugging percentage, and .960 fielding percentage. As a four-year varsity starter and catcher, Drown continued his athletic career at the University of Vermont. His athletic prowess extended beyond high school, as he played one season with the Nashua Hawks before transitioning to education. Drown moved to Chicago to pursue his teaching career and for the last 14 years, Drown has been an Elementary Principal at Burr Oak Academy and Burr Oak School in the Chicagoland Area emphasizing how lessons learned from athletics can help students overcome significant personal challenges and become successful leaders in their communities. Drown is in his 29th year of educating future leaders. Karin Dwyer was an exceptional three-sport athlete at Oxbow Union High School, graduating in 1982. She was a standout in both basketball and track & field, becoming a 1,000-point scorer in basketball and leading her team to a State Championship her senior year. Dwyer was named MVP of the Alhambra All Star game, which pits the 12 best basketball players from the states of Vermont and New Hampshire. In track and field, she excelled in hurdles, javelin, shot put and anchored the 4×100 relay, capping off her high school career with yet another State Championship. Dwyer made history by winning the 1980 Pentathlon State Championship with 3,100 points and became the first Heptathlon State Champion in 1982 scoring 4,543 points, a record that would stand for 20 years. Her athletic excellence extended beyond high school. At Cornell University, she was a 4-time All-Ivy basketball player, graduating as the school’s all-time career scorer with 1,256 points. Inducted into the Cornell Hall of Fame in 1996, she was later honored as a member of the 2023 Legends of the Ivy League – Basketball class. Dwyer’s remarkable career is a testament to her exceptional athleticism, versatility, and determination. She set new standards for female athletes and left a lasting impact on Vermont sports history. Ben Gilbert was a three-sport star at Brattleboro Union High School from 1996-1998, demonstrating exceptional athletic versatility. As a senior, he led the Colonels to the football state semifinals and earned a spot in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, where he threw three touchdown passes to secure Vermont’s first victory over New Hampshire in a decade. In basketball, he captained BUHS to the 1998 state championship game and was named First Team All-State. He contributed to BUHS’s 1997 state championship baseball team and continued his football career at Union College, becoming one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the program’s history. After college, Gilbert transitioned into coaching, continuing his commitment to athletic development and mentorship. Byron “BJ” Robertson was a four-year starter for Burlington High School basketball, where he became the Seahorses’ all-time leading scorer with 1,412 points (the record has since been broken). He led the team to the 2001 Division I State Championship and three finals appearances in a row, earning Burlington Free Press “Mr. Basketball” honors in 2002. Named to the Free Press All-State teams three times, including First Team as a senior, Robertson demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership throughout his high school career. After graduating, he played basketball at Saint Michael’s College, scoring over 1,000 career points and competing professionally with the Vermont Frost Heaves, winning two ABA championships. Today, Robertson serves as head coach at Burlington High School, continuing to shape Vermont basketball through his leadership and mentorship of young athletes. Ben Shungu was a standout basketball player at Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington from 2012-2016. A three-time Division I state champion, he earned consecutive Gatorade Vermont Player of the Year and Burlington Free Press “Mr. Basketball” honors in his junior and senior years. As a senior captain, he averaged 21.9 points per game while leading Rice to its fourth straight championship appearance. His exceptional court vision, leadership, and scoring ability made him a transformative player in Vermont high school basketball. After high school, Shungu played basketball at the University of Vermont, where he continued to demonstrate his athletic prowess, becoming one of the most accomplished players in program history. He has since continued his basketball career professionally overseas, representing Vermont athletes with distinction and proving that talent from small states can compete at high levels. Coach/Advisors: Richard “Bert” Berthiaume has been a winning coach since 1986 bringing the best out among student-athletes at Bellows Free Academy (BFA), leading multiple sports programs with exceptional success. In softball, he has achieved an extraordinary record of 562 wins, 10 State Championships, and 20 Metro Titles. As a student-athletes at Missisquoi Valley Union in Swanton, he won two state titles as an athlete and also picked up another as the varsity girls soccer coach at Milton. Beyond his athletic achievements, Berthiaume is known for developing student-athletes’ character. He requires his teams to volunteer in the community and emphasizes life lessons over wins and losses. As a former dedicated math teacher, he arrived at school early to provide extra help to students. Berthiaume has coached varsity softball, basketball, field hockey, soccer and volleyball, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to BFA’s athletic program. His coaching philosophy centers on believing in oneself, having compassion, giving back, becoming a family and understanding that sports are about more than just the game, making him a true mentor to generations of student-athletes. Arlan “Chip” Langmaid was a transformative coach at St. Johnsbury Academy, dedicating 35 years to cross-country and track and field. He coached all three athletic seasons, leading the Hilltoppers to extraordinary success throughout Vermont. During his remarkable career, Langmaid guided teams to 29 Division I championships, including 13 outdoor track and field boys’ state titles, five consecutive girls’ indoor and outdoor titles from 2015-2019, and three consecutive cross-country championships. He was named Coach of the Year multiple times, including Vermont Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2023. Tragically, Langmaid passed away in an accident on June 11, 2024, just days after leading the boys’ track team to their fourth consecutive Division I state championship. His legacy extends far beyond athletic achievements, embodying the highest standards of coaching, mentorship, and dedication to student-athletes. Officials: Michael Clark of Walden VT, has been a distinguished soccer and softball official in Vermont for over 40 years. He began officiating soccer in 1976 and has since worked 10 championship finals, 27 semifinal games, and four Lions Cup Twin State games. Clark’s officiating career has been marked by numerous accolades, including being named the Dick Stewart Official of the Year in 2009 and the Vermont Soccer Coaches Association Official of the Year in 1995. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to manage challenging games, he was selected to officiate critical matches. In addition to soccer, Clark has been a member of the Vermont Softball Umpires Association for 22 years, officiating 8 State Championship games and 16 State Semifinal games. His dedication and professionalism have made him a respected figure in Vermont sports officiating. George Cook of North Chittenden has been a distinguished multi-sport official in Vermont, dedicating decades to officiating soccer, lacrosse, and basketball at high school and collegiate levels. Throughout his career, he has refereed more than 50 state championship games across these sports, establishing himself as a highly respected and reliable official. Cook has worked as an educator and community-based learning coordinator. His officiating career has been marked by exceptional professionalism and a deep understanding of athletic competition. Beyond his on-field contributions, Cook has been a mentor to emerging referees, helping develop the next generation of sports officials. His commitment to fair play and athletic excellence has made him a cornerstone of Vermont’s sports officiating community, earning respect from coaches, players, and fellow officials alike. Media: Brent Curtis of Montpelier is a legendary sports broadcaster, and has been a voice of Vermont high school basketball since 2001. He broadcasts approximately 50 high school basketball games annually across Central Vermont for Radio Vermont (WDEV-AM/FM in Waterbury and WLFB-FM-Morristown), covering schools across four counties, including challenging rural locations. Known for his signature “BADDA-BING!” call for 3-pointers, Curtis has become a beloved figure in Vermont sports media. A former student-athlete at Montpelier High School who played football and track, Curtis has dedicated his career to showcasing student-athletes, providing comprehensive game coverage, and connecting communities through radio broadcasting. Beyond basketball, he served as a dependable and popular road condition reporter for the Vermont Agency of Transportation and was recognized with the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Media Award in 2012-13, cementing his status as a respected voice in Vermont sports journalism. Administrator: Dave Cobb of Essex Junction has dedicated over 30 years to Vermont education, serving as a basketball official, school principal, and VPA administrator. From 1978-2004, he officiated games at all levels, including two Division 1 boys championship games. He served as Assistant Headmaster at Lyndon Institute, and principal of Waterford and Lyndon Town Schools, and later worked as the VPA’s Director of Development and Learning, contributing significantly to the state’s educational community. Cobb was elected to the NAESP National Board and served on multiple VPA committees, embodying the organization’s commitment to student athletics and educational excellence. Induction Dinner & Tickets are Available Now: The VPA Hall of Fame class of 2025 will be formally inducted on Friday, May 16 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Montpelier. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., a buffet dinner at 6 p.m., and the induction ceremony at 6:45 p.m. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony can be purchased through the ticket order form on the VPA website or by calling the VPA office at (802) 229-0547. Tickets are $55 each. Each year, nominations are accepted throughout the year from the general public to honor those who have helped with sports and activities at VPA-member schools. The VPA’s Hall of Fame Committee considers the nominations based on the criteria outlined on the website. For more information about the nomination process, the criteria for selection, the current list of inductees, the committee, the nomination form, and more, please visit: https://vpaonline.org/athletics/vpa-hall-of-fame/
All VPA News House Ways and Means, VPA Testimony on Education Finance 2-6-25 Posted on February 6, 2025February 10, 2025 To view written testimony and find link to video testimony, click here. This testimony was also featured in Vermont Public, week in review. The VPA’s Jay Nichols provided testimony and answered questions in House Ways and Means on 2-6-25. First, do no harm. Do not rush into financial decisions without looking at potential…
All VPA News NBC5 In Depth: Explore Vermont’s proposed Education Model Posted on February 4, 2025 Click here to view the 13 minute interview conducted with the Vermont Principals’ Association Jay Nichols, explaining how members of the education community are reacting to the proposed changes.
All VPA News Senate Finance, 1-31-25, VPA Response to Governor’s Budget Address Posted on January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 Jay Nichols, Executive Director of the Vermont Principals’ Association. Response to Governor’s Budget Address and Education Finance Transformation. Written testimony and video link to testimony found here.
All VPA News Senate Education, VPA Legislative Priorities 1-24-25 Posted on January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 Link to Testimony and Documents Main Priority: Protect Public Education and ALL Vermont Children Equitable Funding Changes● Advocacy at Commission, General Assembly, Administration levels● Be careful of unintended consequences of any funding changes● Support nuanced, data-based approaches to funding changes● Provide transition dollars to school districts that may be immediately hit by fundingchanges in a manner that negatively impacts students● SAME DOLLARS/SAME RULE for any changes to education funding for any school orprivate entity receiving education fund dollars…
All VPA News House Education, Education Quality Standards, 1-22-25 Posted on January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 Link to Testimony and Supporting Documents “[A]ccidental inequalities of birth, wealth, and learning are always tending to restrict the opportunities of some as compared with those of others. Only free and continued education can counteract those forces which are always at work to restore, in however changed a form, feudal oligarchy. Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife”
All VPA News House Education Testimony, 1-16-25, VPA Legislative Priorities Posted on January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 Link to testimony and supporting documents. Main Priority: Protect Public Education and ALL Vermont Children Equitable Funding Changes● Advocacy at Commission, General Assembly, Administration levels● Be careful of unintended consequences of any funding changes● Support nuanced, data-based approaches to funding changes● Provide transition dollars to school districts that may be immediately hit by fundingchanges in a manner that negatively impacts students● SAME DOLLARS/SAME RULE for any changes to education funding for any school orprivate entity receiving education fund dollars…
All VPA News Comments on the Draft Yield Bill & Education Costs and Funding Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 From the outset of this legislative session, our Associations have provided substantive testimony in an effort to illumanate the core cost drivers impacting public education. (Full Letter)
All VPA News Yield Bill Written Testimony, House Ways & Means 4/12/24 Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 These are the points I wish to make on behalf of the VPA after viewing Ways & Meansthis morning. (Full Written Testimony)
All VPA News H. 871, Testimony in Senate Ed. Committee, April 4, 2024 Posted on April 4, 2024April 4, 2024 It has been a long time since Vermont has had school construction aid; 2007, in fact. (Read Full Testimony)