Helping Guide the Way for Clipper Students
By Sarah E. Murphy
While a new school year always marks a new beginning, for Falmouth High School Registrar of Guidance Pattie Malone, who will retire in late December, 2024-2025 represents the end of a storied chapter.
Pattie’s career in Falmouth Public Schools dates back to January 1979, when she began working at the Administration Building on Teaticket Highway. A graduate of FHS Class of 1975, she was seeking a steady, reliable job in her hometown. Her mother, Mary Malone, got her start working for the district at the Falmouth Intermediate School (now Morse Pond School, originally for Grades 6-8,), eventually becoming head secretary at Lawrence School. Therefore, following a similar path seemed like a good fit. (Her sister, MaryEllen Woods, also works for FPS as a teaching assistant at Teaticket Elementary School.)
“I wanted to get my foot in the door, but I didn’t know it was going to last 45 years,” Pattie said with a smile.
To that end, she accepted the first position that became available - in accounts payable. After a year in that position, she was transferred to the reception desk, where she spent the next two and a half years. Following a summer working at Woods Hole School, Pattie returned to the Admin. Building for another two years, providing secretarial assistance in any capacity needed. She then transferred to Falmouth High School, spending a decade as the attendance secretary before deciding to pursue her desire to work in guidance.
Pattie started out in the Guidance Resource Center and summer school program, educating students and their families about available scholarships, both nationally and locally, helping them obtain applications and offering general assistance in the application process. Before information was easily obtained by scrolling a phone, Pattie helped relay essential deadlines and requirements, throughout what can arguably be described as a daunting experience for most families.
A lover of art, whose paternal grandmother enjoyed painting, Pattie recognized the importance of supporting students with creative talent and was instrumental in expanding the scholarship program, particularly for the arts.
“Parents would tell me they couldn’t find art scholarships, and they didn’t really have time to look, so whenever I saw things in the newspaper, I’d cut them out for the guidance counselors,” she said.
In those early days working in the GRC, Pattie was reunited with her own FHS guidance counselor, Marlene Viera, along with Kay Craig and Barbara Connolly, all of whom she credits for their impact on her, as a student and later as a colleague. That respect was shared - and illustrated - when all three women wrote nomination letters to the Massachusetts School Counselors’ Association on her behalf, resulting in Pattie receiving the Special Recognition Award in 2003. The plaque, which she keeps in her FHS office, reads: “Her Generous Giving of Self to Students and Community Marks Her as Special.”
Pattie has been a friendly, familiar face beyond the guidance department, having served as an advisor to three graduating classes, in addition to being a fixture at athletic games, selling tickets for FHS boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ hockey, and football.
The ability to witness students recognize their own potential has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career in guidance, which culminates each year with the award ceremony for graduating seniors, for which she plays an important role.
“I try to keep everything a secret until that night, so I love seeing the kids’ faces when they find out what scholarships they’ve won,” she said.
A self-proclaimed Disney “nut,” who loves road trips and visits Walt Disney World annually, Pattie is looking forward to having more time for travel, in particular to visit family, including a grand-niece in Wisconsin she has only had the opportunity to meet once.
But as much as Pattie looks forward to the future, saying goodbye to her FPS family is a bittersweet aspect of retirement.
“I work with such a great group of adjustment counselors, guidance counselors, and secretaries here,” she said.
Her favorite aspect of her career in the district has always been the interpersonal connections, especially those with the students, crediting them for their impact on her and the respect and kindness they have shown. In 2023, after Pattie broke her leg, she required three months of rehabilitation in a nursing home. Her mobility was limited when she returned to FHS, and she was forced to rely on a walker and a cane.
Pattie was not only impressed but moved by the heartfelt response she received from the students.
“The kids would see me and ask, ‘How can we help you, Ms. Malone?’ Here I was, this white-haired lady with a walker, who could be their grandmother, and they were so caring,” she said.
Guidance Department Head Alan Kazarian has witnessed Pattie forge those connections throughout his own career.
“I’ve worked with Pattie since 2007. She’s been an invaluable member of our department and a constant support to me professionally, first as our secretary and now as registrar. We work closely on a daily basis, and she does an amazing job. She’s dedicated, hard-working, and detail-oriented. She’s very organized with student records, always doing a check-in with me. She’s very loyal. She wants to make sure the job is done completely, fairly, and professionally,” he said.
“And in the midst of it all, she’s also fun. We all just adore her.”
Mr. Kazarian emphasized the empathy Pattie brings to her position.
“She sits with families to talk about the registration process, answering all their questions to make them comfortable and put them at ease if they are nervous or anxious. She’s always willing to go the extra mile. She’ll often say, ‘See you later. We’re going for a tour,’ and take families around the building, something she isn’t required to do,” he said.
“She’s a strong advocate for the students, especially those who don’t speak English. We have a large Brazilian population, and Pattie tries her best to communicate with them and, if she can’t, she’ll find a translator who can. She’s always willing to help.”
Mr. Kazarian also highlighted her institutional knowledge of Clipper life.
“She knows so much about the school and programs. She often remembers a student’s parents and, sometimes, grandparents. We always go to Pattie if we need to clarify something.”
Paula Carlson Cahill, Secretary to Principal Alan Harris, agreed.
“Pattie has been a touchstone for me throughout my time at FHS. Pattie holds our history, knows our town - the people, their children, and how things have been done. She has been such a wonderful colleague, friend, teacher, and resource to me, and I will miss her dearly,” she said.
Principal Harris credited the positivity and personality Pattie brings to her role.
“Pattie Malone embodies the Clipper spirit we hope each of our scholars learns on their journey. She comes every day with joy, including dancing a little two-step as I play music when she walks in,” he said.
Dr. Harris also emphasized her commitment and instincts.
“Pattie is tireless in supporting families to get everything they need in school and often takes the time to make introductions to coaches and teachers she knows will connect with that student. Her pride for Falmouth and Falmouth High is legendary, but not as great as her love for serving students and families to make sure every ‘i’ is dotted and ’t’ is crossed when they graduate,” he said.
Superintendent of Schools Lori Duerr recognized Pattie’s dedication to the district.
“Pattie Malone is an example of why this Unsung Hero designation is so important. For more than four decades, she’s been making a positive impact on students, families, and staff, especially throughout her career in guidance,” Dr. Duerr said.
“Pattie plays an integral role behind-the-scenes, helping Clippers navigate their experience, from registration to graduation, to the goals they pursue after high school. Her absence will be greatly missed, but her contributions will not be forgotten, particularly by those she has mentored.”