State Sen. John Velis presents Roseanne Caracciolo with a citation to honor her Commonwealth Heroine Award during a June 24 visit to Dean Technical High School, where she serves as principal.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
HOLYOKE — Roseanne “Rosie” Caracciolo, principal of Dean Technical High School in Holyoke and a resident of Agawam, has received the Community Heroine Award from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.
“Rosie Caracciolo truly makes our commonwealth a better place,” said state Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield), who nominated Caracciolo. “From being a foster parent to her many years in the Holyoke public schools, Rosie has impacted the lives of so many youth in our region. I was proud to have nominated Rosie for all of her incredible work in both personal and professional capacity creating environments where young people are able to flourish. I am grateful that the Massachusetts Commission on Women selected her for the Commonwealth Heroine Award and look forward to celebrating her in the near future.”
Born and raised in Holyoke, Caracciolo was the third of eight children, seven girls and one boy. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from Elms College, Caracciolo returned to Holyoke High School for her student teaching.
“Education was always a priority, and we all attended Holyoke High School,” said Caracciolo. “Although the city has changed, the students are still students, and I am passionate about preparing all of our students for life beyond the classroom.”
After years in education, Caracciolo currently serves as the principal of Dean Tech. This vocational school offers a wide range of programs for teenagers who want to explore that path. From carpentry to cosmetology to culinary arts or diesel technology, the students at Dean Tech develop the skills to go into these hands-on occupations.
“My husband and I have been married for 32 years and have five adult children, one grandchild and one on the way. He went to Putnam High School and has been a licensed electrician for 40 years now,” explained Caracciolo. “We live and support a vocational life, and are proud to encourage all young adults to know that the trades are critical to the working of their communities. We have welcomed many youth in our home who need support as they finish high school and still need support to thrive in the world today.”
The Commonwealth Heroine Award honors women in Massachusetts communities who do exceptional work to serve vulnerable populations. They are often the unsung heroes of a community.
“As a first-year, female principal at a vocational school, I have broken the mold and set a new standard for female expectations. That makes this recognition most special,” said Caracciolo. “I want our students to know that they can do or be anything as long as they have the passion and are willing to put in the work.”
For Carraciolo, this award recognizes a lifetime of service to the youth of Holyoke and surrounding areas, work that is supported by her family.
“Work is such a huge part of my life but so is my family,” said Caracciolo. “I am blessed with a family that supports me and my passion for helping our students succeed.”
