Seeing Spots, Lots of Them!

'Ladybugs' and friends listen to an anecdote from former Kennedy School Principal Michael Konosky. (Jan Prentice photo)

In the planning stages for several weeks, a reunion of about a quarter of the 35 'ladybug kids' who successfully lobbied to have the ladybug become the state insect,  filled the Franklin Historical Museum Saturday. The 1974 second graders came with parents and kids and were joined by the family of their teacher, the late Palma Johnson -- kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids; their former principal, Michael Konosky, the state Rep at the time, Robert Ficco and his wife Eleanor, current State Rep Jeff Roy, and others for a room-filling total of about 50.

Roy spoke briefly about the legislative process and the great accomplishment demonstrated by Franklin kids and adults working together back in 1974. Carol Schaaf, a ladybug herself, got up and thanked everyone who made the great second grade experience possible, especially her teacher, Mrs. Johnson. 

Two of Johnson's children also shared brief remarks about their mother's passion for leadership, education, and making the world better. Principal Michael Konosky, shared his appreciation for kids and colleagues and shared an anecdote about Johnson. When the Ladybug Bill finally reached the governor, Francis Sargent, and he signed it in the presence of  Konosky, Johnson, and several Franklin second graders,  he turned to them and said, "You kids did a helluva job."  

Without pausing, Mrs. Johnson turned to him and said, "Governor Sargent, you shouldn't use language like that in front of children!"

"That was typical of Palma," Konosky added.

As for the Ladybug kids, they formed a gaggle and spent most of the event chatting about old times and comparing life notes -- and even weighing whether to join their fellow FHS classmates for a 40th reunion later this year!

Toward the end of the event, Palma's great-grandkids enthusiastically embraced the task of releasing about 300 native ladybugs (with permission) into the garden area of the neighboring Franklin United Methodist Church.

Throughout the event there was also a steady stream of Ladybug Trail walkers stopping by to pick up information on the walk -- the Second Annual such event, organized and sponsored by the Franklin Downtown Partnership.

Attendees also enjoyed coffee and refreshments and a Ladybug 50th Anniversary cake.

The event was covered by Attleboro Sun Chronicle, WGBH radio and MassLive.com

Above,five of the 'ladybugs' --  Bill MacNeil, Vicki B. Earls, Barbara Syngay Jasinski, Joanne Kelleher Lessard, and Christine Leahy

(all photos courtesy of Jan Prentice)