Pignataro will never leave Grafton High — gym is named in his honor

Call it The Gym Pignataro.

The School Committee is honoring the 34 year career of Grafton High School Principal Jim Pignataro by naming the school’s gym after him, recognizing his years as an educator and coach.

“Jim Pignataro has had a tremendous and positive impact on the lives of many young scholars, student-athletes, teachers, and administrators by instilling in them the importance of education, teamwork, discipline, and attitude,” School Committee Chair Amy Marr said as she read the proclamation recognizing Pignataro upon his retirement from the Grafton schools.

Pignataro, affectionately known as “Mr. Pig” to generations of Grafton High students, smiled as he listened to the tribute, a slow surprised smile spreading across his face as he learned he would be the gym’s namesake. Pignataro was among the officials who spearheaded the building’s construction and has been its only principal since its opening in 2012.

“It’s always about the kids,” Pignataro said. “That’s been true throughout the years, and they have flown by.”

Pignataro started at Grafton High School in fall 1987 as a social studies teacher, becoming the assistant principal in January 2001. By 2004, he stepped in as acting principal before taking on the role full-time the next year. In his time at GHS, Pignataro also was an assistant football coach, the head varsity football coach and coached girls, indoor and unified track.

Select Board Chair Peter Carlson paid tribute to Pignataro by reminiscing about their first meeting in 1988.

“he was my history teacher, my coach, my class advisor,” said Carlson, who years later would become a member of the School Committee.

Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings said he expects there will be a dedication for the gym, complete with a plaque on the facility, in the fall.

“One of my favorite people of all time and favorite principals of all time,” Cummings said. “What’s so impressive about you, Jim, is you’ve had so much of an impact on kids. As Peter said, generations.”

Each School Committee member took turns praising Pignataro, in many cases noting their interactions with him as principal as their own children passed into the high school.

“Us all here have a daunting task to replace you,” School Committee member Rahul Rathi said.

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