Fairhaven High School Hall of FameInductee Biographies

Debra Hanson Almeida grew up in, and attended Fairhaven schools, graduating from high school in 1972. She went on to Bridgewater State College and graduated with a B.S. Cum Laude in Elementary Education in 1977 and a Masters in Education in 1986. She then received her CAGS degree from Fitchburg College and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College in 2010. As part of her National Board Certification she mentored 15 elementary teachers and traveled to China and Japan in educational exchange programs. She began working at Freetown Elementary School in 1977 but spent the majority of her 34 years teaching at the Sippican School, predominantly grades 3, 4 and 5.

Retiring in 2014 Debra traveled to Japan in October 2013. As a member of the executive board of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, she assisted in making plans to celebrate the enduring friendship of the Fairhaven whaling captain, Captain Whitfield, and the rescued Japanese fisherman Manjiro Nakanahama. A festival is held each year, one year in Tosashimizu, the next year in Fairhaven. 2013 was the year for his hometown to celebrate. Debra was asked to be a judge in the fishing port’s Halloween Costume Contest that was part of the festival. She awarded prizes to the winners and led her traveling companions through the fair suggesting delicious food items to try from the vendors and she purchased handmade items made from kimono fabric to display during her Japanese course offered at WMFS.

Debra continues to teach math and science graduate courses for the Center for Innovation in Education/LMU for over 25 years, traveling nationwide. Because she holds a Masters and Doctorate in education, she is currently an adjunct professor for Cambridge College, teaching local history courses for the Whitfield/Manjiro Friendship Society. Her course also includes whaling history, language lessons, Japanese cooking, and activities to make the cultures come alive for the teachers and their classrooms. Deb offers a wealth of artifacts and books. Her daily displays leave a lasting impression on her students and help her lessons come alive. Deb is involved in many clubs and volunteer groups besides the WhitfieldManjiro Friendship Society: Fairhaven Colonial Club, New Bedford Garden Club, Class of ‘72 Alumni Group, Delta Kappa Gamma (teacher’s group) and was always involved in her children’s PTO groups and sports. Deb holds or has held an officer’s position in all of her groups. She also continues to travel and babysit grandchildren. Debra is married to Dana Almeida, former student, teacher and head football coach at FHS. They live in Fairhaven. They have three children; Tara, Shana, and Derek. They have 6 grandchildren, Layla, Emily, Oliver, Grace, Sage and Roman. They are very proud of their growing family and as busy as they are they still visit each of them often.

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