Jeffrey to receive AEFI’s Hall of Fame

AMESBURY — An acclaimed actor, an Ironman triathlon competitor and a high school building committee organizer were recently selected to receive the Amesbury Educational Foundation Inc. Hall of Fame awards. They are former students Jeffrey Donovan and Shawn Talbott and resident Barbara Bode.

“I’m constantly amazed at how many successful and amazing people have graduated from the high school,” AEFI President Joan Miller said. “Some of these people have strived to achieve everything they have wanted to do and ever dreamed of.”

For seven years, locals have submitted nominees for the Hall of Honor, a tradition that has resulted in a long list of individuals with origins in Amesbury. The list of 22 honorees includes former locals ranging from a rocket scientist to a state representative.

Both Donovan and Talbott graduated from AHS in the mid-1980s and went on to pursue their dreams. Bode helped aid in the renovation of the new high school building.

After moving from Amesbury, both Donovan and Talbott have excelled in their chosen fields. Donovan is a working actor with a long resume that includes a third season on “Burn Notice” and a role in “The Changeling” with Angelina Jolie. Talbott has received a doctorate in physiology and nutritional biochemistry and competes in Ironman triathlons.

Bode has volunteered in town for many years, helping to oversee the recent high school renovations. Bode’s vision helped see the project through two construction companies and years of setbacks to have the final product completed in February with much praise.

All three are expected to be present at the ceremony on May 15. Tickets are now on sale at the AEFI Web site for $45 until April 30 and $50 after that date.

“Everyone has been informed and is excited and humbled by the award,” Miller said. “This is about all three of the recipients. It’s exciting every year.”

The foundation will also present grants at the banquet. Thirteen proposals were received earlier this month, and AEFI board members are busy determining the recipients. In the past, grants have helped fund self-sustaining programs, such as the seismograph at the Amesbury Middle School and greenhouse restoration at the Cashman Elementary School.

“It’s a tough choice for grant programs,” Miller said. “If we had funding for all programs, we would (do them all), but unfortunately that not the case.”

AEFI was formed in 1981 and reinvigorated about seven years ago, having at that time only $5,000 in the foundation’s account. Since then, the group has awarded $102,000 in grants to local teachers.

“Part of our mission is to increase the perception of Amesbury public schools,” Miller said. “Our schools are quite good, and we do what we can to enhance that.”

If You Go

What: The AEFI Hall of Honor Banquet

When: Friday, May 15, 6 p.m.

Where: Holy Family Parish Hall.

How much: Tickets are now on sale at www.aefionline.com for $45 until April 30 and $50 after.

More information: Visit www.aefionline.com.

Hall of Honor inductees

Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D.: 1985 AHS graduate. Author, researcher, consultant, trained in sports medicine, health management, exercise physiology and nutritional biochemistry, competes in Ironman triathlons and marathons.

Jeffrey Donovan: 1986 AHS graduate. Actor has starred in “Burn Notice” and had a role in “The Changeling,” among others.

Barbara Bode: Friend of Amesbury Public Schools, chairwoman of the AHS Building Committee.