Southie’s own Oliver Hazard Perry Elementary School was buzzing with energy as students, staff, and community leaders gathered to celebrate one of the state’s finest educators. This year, the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year award was bestowed upon Luisa Sparrow, a dedicated special education teacher, during a lively ceremony at the school.
The celebration was nothing short of a Southie-style extravaganza, complete with a heartfelt performance by the school choir and some high-profile guests, including Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
“We hope that by celebrating this wonderful educator, Ms. Sparrow, we are also recognizing the work of all of our teachers and school professionals in every classroom in Boston and across the commonwealth,” Mayor Wu shared with the audience, emphasizing the collective impact of educators across the state.
Sparrow, affectionately known as “Ms. S” by her students, was visibly moved as she accepted the award. “I’m very overwhelmed and humbled,” she said. “This is such an amazing school, and Massachusetts is an amazing place to be an educator.”