HMS staffer, student recognized by Bedford organization

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Hanscom AFB --  A Hanscom Middle School staff member and an HMS student were recognized by the Violence Prevention Coalition of Bedford, Mass., April 10.

HMS Social Worker Doreen Maloof and eighth grader Fallon Perreault, 13, received awards during the VPC's 10th anniversary breakfast for fostering the VPC mission that "all forms of violence are unacceptable and community life requires nonviolent resolution of conflict."

"Everyday Fallon and I, as well as the other teachers, staff and students at HMS work to create a positive school climate," Mrs. Maloof said. "It was great to see our efforts recognized during the 10th anniversary of the VPC of Bedford." 

Both teacher and student were lauded for their efforts to help others overcome social problems. 

Mrs. Maloof has worked at HMS for almost 27 years, and her caring for the students she interacts with is apparent to her peers. "Doreen puts the well-being of her students at the forefront of conversations and interactions, and has played a critical role in engaging with students, parents and teachers to resolve conflicts and create a more welcoming climate in the school," states her award nomination. 

"She is willing to have the difficult conversations, address challenging interpersonal 
dynamics, and confront negative behaviors to improve life at Hanscom Middle School." 

Though she is not a teacher, Fallon also has demonstrated a willingness to be a friend to those experiencing unkind actions. "When Fallon sees an act of unfairness or aggression she does what we wish all bystanders would do. She quickly offers moral support to the person being hurt by the aggressive acts of others," states Fallon's award nomination.

"She may stand quietly by the person being hurt. She may ask the aggressor to stop. Later in the day, she may seek out the person who has been hurt and invite that person to sit with her at lunch or walk to class with her. 

"She is a quiet helper who notices if a person is having a hard time or is being treated poorly by others," it states. 

Fallon, who said she tries to treat others as she wants to be treated, credits her spirituality and upbringing with the way she interacts with her fellow students.

Additionally, she said being a military dependent and moving often has made her more appreciative of individual personalities. "I try to be friends with everybody," said the honor roll student who is a member of the HMS softball and soccer teams, Girl Scouts and the Hanscom Catholic Youth Group. 

Fallon, who was surprised by the news that she was nominated and selected to receive the award, said she was particularly happy that her father, Tech. Sgt. Michael Perreault, would be able to attend the VPC breakfast. He returned from a one-year remote assignment in South Korea April 7.