By Isaac H.
On September 25, 2020
The Wayland community suffered on September 24, 2020 when Mr. David Summergrad passed away.
David was a teacher in the Wayland Public Schools until 2000 when he retired. He inspired so many students, teachers and administrators while working at the Wayland Middle School for twenty-five years. David was an amazing english and technology teacher. Mr. Summergrad also led other great programs in the Wayland Middle School including the Newspaper Club and student council. He also directed Middle School musicals, served as the English Curriculum Leader and as House Leader. He was a passionate advocate for the METCO program, even running marathons to raise money for late busses to ensure that the Boston-resident students could participate in afterschool programs without having to leave right away after school. The joy he took in working tirelessly to unlock every student’s passion for learning inspired countless teachers at the Middle School and throughout the District. David also won an award called the ‘Mary Johnson Travelship’ for his contributions to the Wayland Public Schools in 1995. After 2000, David went to become a principal in elementary and K-8 schools. He trained dozens of future teachers as a professor at Curry College’s teacher preparation program.
The superintendent of Wayland schools, had the wonderful chance to get to know David well over the last few years through his work in supporting non-profit programs that serve children.
On a number of occasions, David’s infectious enthusiasm inspired organizations to find solutions that would enable less privileged students to have access to outstanding learning experiences.
David impacted so many people, young and old. The Wayland community can really feel his absence as we offer condolences to his wife, Mary Grace, and his two daughters, Anna and Lisa.
Fun fact: Currently, Anna Summergrad, David Summergrad’s daughter, works at the Wayland Middle School as a 6th and 7th grade teacher assistant!