Old Colony Educational Foundation: 2026 Annual Night to Remember Gala

Join us November 13th as we celebrate Old Colony and induct the Class of 2026 inductees to our Wall of Achievement. On Friday, November 13, 2026, we invite you to join us at the Century House in Acushnet for a truly special evening—Old Colony’s Annual Night to Remember Gala. Together, we will celebrate five decades of learning, achievement, and community while looking ahead to a future filled with promise. This unforgettable “Night to Remember” will honor the newest inductees into the Old Colony Wall of Achievement, shining a light on the graduates, educators, and community members whose dedication and spirit have shaped our story. Their journeys remind us that Old Colony is more than a school—it is a family that connects, inspires, and transforms lives. The evening will feature dinner, music, and a silent auction, creating the perfect backdrop for reflection, connection, and celebration. We can’t wait to share this milestone with you and to honor the 2026 Class of Inductees: Few individuals have dedicated their professional lives to Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School as completely as Gary Brown. Over a distinguished 30-year career spanning from 1984 to 2014, Gary served the school in nearly every major educational leadership role, leaving an enduring legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to vocational and technical education. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Vocational Technical Education, Gary began his career as an English teacher before joining Old Colony as an English instructor. Throughout his tenure, he steadily assumed greater leadership responsibilities, serving as Vocational and Academic Coordinator, Principal, and ultimately Superintendent-Director. His progression through the organization is a remarkable testament to his dedication and understanding of the school's mission, making him one of the few—and perhaps the only—Superintendent-Director to rise through every level of leadership within Old Colony itself. Gary's leadership extended well beyond the walls of Old Colony. His commitment to education and community service earned him recognition as Rochester Man of the Year in 2010, and in 2014 the Town of Rochester honored his contributions by proclaiming Gary Brown Day. His service has also included volunteering with the Bristol Community College Holocaust and Genocide Center, teaching for the nonprofit organization 2nd Half, serving on the Mattapoisett Arts Council, contributing as a Board Member of Cranberry Credit Union, and enriching the local community as a musician. When reflecting on his career, Gary simply states, "Old Colony was my life for 30 years." Those words capture the depth of his commitment to the institution and the countless students, faculty, and staff whose lives were positively impacted by his leadership. He credits former leaders John Oliveira and David Ferreira as influential mentors, demonstrating the importance he places on learning from others while continuing to build upon their legacy. Gary's advice to current Old Colony students reflects the values that guided his career: "Four years of high school is a short period of your life. Soak up all you can and be involved with the Old Colony community." His message encourages students to embrace every opportunity for learning, growth, and service—principles he modeled throughout his three decades at the school. Gary Brown's extraordinary career exemplifies the mission and values of Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School. Through decades of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to students and the broader community, he helped shape the institution into what it is today. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of educators and students alike, making him a most deserving candidate for induction into the Old Colony Educational Foundation Wall of Achievement. Mr. Troy Jacques exemplifies the qualities the Old Colony Educational Foundation Wall of Achievement was established to recognize. As a distinguished alumnus, accomplished business professional, and dedicated community leader, Troy has consistently demonstrated excellence in his career while maintaining an unwavering commitment to giving back to his alma mater and the South Coast community. A 1999 graduate of Old Colony's Automotive Technology program, Troy continued his education at Northeastern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2005, graduating magna cum laude with a 3.6 GPA while earning Dean's List honors and induction into the Criminal Justice Honor Society. His academic success reflects the strong foundation established during his years at Old Colony. Throughout his professional career, Troy has demonstrated remarkable versatility and leadership. He began his career in law enforcement and investigations before transitioning into the insurance industry, where he developed expertise in automotive claims and damage appraisal. He later served as Assistant Manager and Appraiser for Modern Auto Body, overseeing operations, managing employees, negotiating with insurers, and guiding the day-to-day success of the business. Since entering the real estate profession in 2013, Troy has established himself as one of the region's premier Realtors. As a Realtor with William Raveis, he has earned numerous distinctions, including multiple Top Producing Agent awards, the President's Award, Chairman's Awards, and national recognition as the #5 Affiliate Sales Associate in Closed Units Nationwide in 2023. These accomplishments reflect his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to serving his clients at the highest level. Equally impressive is Troy's commitment to community service and his continued support of Old Colony. He served as Treasurer of the Friends of Old Colony, is an active member of the Old Colony Educational Foundation, and supports student-athletes through his involvement with the Old Colony Gridiron Club. In addition, he is a member of the Elks Club and has volunteered for several years with the South Coast Children's Theatre. His ongoing service demonstrates a deep appreciation for the opportunities Old Colony provided and a genuine desire to ensure future generations of students experience similar success. Troy credits Old Colony with providing both the academic preparation and technical skills that launched his professional journey. He attributes his success to the combination of rigorous academics, hands-on vocational training, and the lifelong relationships he formed while attending the school. Those connections continue to benefit both his clients and his community today. He encourages current students to embrace every opportunity Old Colony offers, emphasizing the value of its strong academic and technical programs, extracurricular activities, and close-knit school community. When reflecting on his time at Old Colony, Troy speaks most fondly of the relationships he built with classmates, teachers, shop instructors, and coaches. His experiences as a student-athlete, including competing in multiple Super Bowls during his high school career, remain among his most cherished memories and continue to shape his appreciation for teamwork, perseverance, and excellence. Through his professional achievements, distinguished leadership, and enduring commitment to Old Colony and the surrounding community, Troy Jacques represents the very best of what an Old Colony graduate can accomplish. His career, character, and continued service make him an outstanding and deserving candidate for induction into the Old Colony Educational Foundation Wall of Achievement. Mr. Buddy Perry's dedication to Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School spans decades and represents a lifetime of service to the school and its community. Buddy Perry has been a part of Old Colony since the doors opened in 1975. His service spans 51 years.