Right: ARHS may soon have a section dedicated to Northborough’s fallen hero, Specialist Brian K. Arsenault (Photo by Jonathan A. Shaw, U.S. Army/AP)
In 2014, an Algonquin Regional High School graduate, Specialist Brian K. Arsenault, was Killed in Action in Afghanistan.
Northborough mourned the loss of its resident, Algonquin students and faculty mourned their alumnus, and the Southborough community shared their grief. So, it’s no surprise that the Regional School Committee is considering naming part of the school in honor of Arsenault.
In 2015, the committee put out a call for nominations for people after whom to name the school, parts of the school or grounds. A subcommittee was formed to review the nominations. Apparently, Arsenault’s name was nominated.
In December, the school district announced that the subcommittee endorsed that nomination. (Precisely what would be named after him wasn’t announced.)
The next step is a public comment period which runs until February 20th. More details are below:
Naming Committee Moves Nomination Forward – Public Comment Invited
The Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committee voted unanimously to accept the nomination recommended by the Naming Subcommittee at its November 18, 2015 meeting. The Naming Subcommittee convened, as defined by Policy F-100, Naming of the High School, Parts of the High School, and Grounds, on April 15, 2015 to consider all nominations pursuant to this policy. Spec. Brian K. Arsenault, a graduate of Algonquin Regional Class of 2004, who was a paratrooper with the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on September 4, 2014, when his unit was set upon by enemy small-arms fire in Ghazni, Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Afghanistan Campaign medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the basic Parachutist Badge. According to policy, a 3-month period of public comment must be provided before the Regional School Committee takes its final vote. The public comment period began November 20, 2015 and will extend through February 20, 2016. Comments should be sent via the Superintendent of Schools, 53 Parkerville Road, Southborough, MA 01772 or to cjohnson@nsboro.k12.ma.us. All comments will be shared with the Regional School Committee at its February 24, 2016 regularly scheduled meeting.
That would be wonderful, to honor this young man in such a fashion.
This was Brian’s high school, he served his country with Honor and with great respect …I don’t know why this would even be a question – Honor his name and his family with this small gesture – do the right thing – Steven Desposito –
Northborough continues to support Brian’s memory with honor & respect. Dedications like this are not only cherished by his family & community they are shared by all who have served past and present reminding us all “They are never forgotten”
We have a bridge dedicated to our first fallen serviceman in the Vietnam war, this is a no brainer. Honor the man and educate the students about world affairs…
My son Matthew Gallagher served in the 82nd with Brian. Brian’s death left a hole in my son’s life that nothing could fill. Matthew loved Brian like a brother and talked of him and the times they shared often with me. Brian was a great soldier and “dude” as my son would say. My son lost his life not in Afghanistan but died from Afghanistan. Please honor the memory of Brian by naming the school after him. By doing so you will honor all who served with Brian and have given so much. These brave men and women all volunteered to serve. Some paid the ultimate price.
This is such a great tribute for my nefew Brian arsenault , and all others that have walked in his shoes. I think it is very important to honor our fallen Hero’s and to teach students what this means . Brian paid the ultimate sacrifice and their isn’t one second that goes by that he is not in our thoughts . This great town of northboro never stops amazing us with constant reminders and memories of him . Godbless all taken ,all struggling , and it would be a great honor for Brian’s name to be a part of ARHS in memory . Thanks for all involved in this great idea .
Brian is the only option. He died serving his country. HONOR him!
I think this would be such a beautiful tribute for Brian to have his name honored at his high school. He sacrificed so much for us. This is very much deserved.
This young man gave his life for his country. He epitomizes sacrifice and honor for the sake of our freedom. Please honor him for his courage.
Brian was like a brother to me growing up with him though school and out of school was fun brian deserves to be Hornered through the town of Northborough for been a hero in our life’s . Brian will always be in my heart for been a big part of my life .