Donna C. Philbin

Mrs. Donna Philbin began her distinguished career in the Ashburnham-Westminster School District as a science teacher at Oakmont Regional High School.  After several years in the classroom and a brief appointment as guidance counselor; Donna accepted yet another challenge as a member of the administrative staff.  Whatever role Donna assumed, her tireless dedication and commitment to excellence were clearly evident in her daily interaction with students and faculty, her creative development of science curriculum and a health program, and her implementation of state mandated testing.  However; the pinnacle of Donna's career came in December of 1994 with her appointment as principal to the district's newest facility, Overlook Middle School.  Once again Donna devoted long hours developing schedules, coordinating staff assignments, and establishing school policies.   Unfortunately  Donna was forced to retire, due to illness, shortly before the school opened on October 10, 1995. Donna died of cancer at the age of 56, after serving the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District for more than 25 years.  Her distinguished career has been a model for all of us to emulate.

The Overlook Middle School library media center has been dedicated in memory of  Donna Philbin, and bears her name - The Donna C. Philbin Library Media Center. It was Donna's wish that her retirement gift go to the Overlook library. Friends and family donated thousands of dollars to the new school library. A plaque and a portrait of Donna grace the entrance to the library, and a comfortable reading area with couches and chairs  was donated in honor of Donna Philbin.

Library Mural

The Ashburnham-Westminster Teacher's Association funded this mural depicting  symbols of learning, and middle school activities, in honor of Donna Philbin's love of children, reading, and learning.  The mural was designed and painted by Dan Phelps, Leah Penniman, and Rachel Legsdin who were senior advanced placement art students at Oakmont Regional High School.  The mural was completed  under the direction of Mr. Brian Beaudoin, Overlook art teacher, in May, 1998.

Back to Donna C. Philbin Library Media Center