Medway Public Schools Recognizes 2025 Memorial School Plaque Honorees

Honoree Heidi Cross and fourth-grader Addison Halus at the Memorial Plaque ceremony on Oct. 10. (Photo courtesy Medway Public Schools)
The Medway School Committee is pleased to announce that three community members were recently recognized as the 2025 Memorial Plaque Honorees.

Kathy Hickey, Heidi Cross and James Tremble were recognized during a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 10. Burke-Memorial Elementary School fourth-graders conducted interviews with the nominated community members and prepared speeches that they presented during the ceremony to introduce their chosen honoree.

The Memorial Plaque was placed in Burke-Memorial when it was built in 1997 to honor individuals who have given selflessly and made a significant or memorable contribution to the Town and/or school community. Through service, volunteerism or dedication, the honorees make Medway Schools or the Town of Medway life better for those who follow. Nominations are submitted each spring and are voted on by the Medway School Committee each summer.

Kathy Hickey

Hickey was introduced by her neighbor, fourth-grader Amelia Barstow, and nominated by Medway resident and Burke Memorial teacher, Jayne Butler.

Hickey, a dedicated Medway native, obtained her master's degree in special education from Framingham State University. She returned to her hometown and taught in the district for 28 years before her retirement in June 2017. After retirement, she continued her work for Medway by serving as a substitute teacher for an additional seven years. She was known for being able to bring her classroom together, providing a loving, caring environment for each of her students.

“She was a true advocate for the children of Medway in many ways,” Butler said. “Her special talent was taking perhaps a lonely child, or a child with a tough start in life, or an unhappy child, and with her gift of love and inclusion making them feel special, and improving their self-esteem."

Heidi Cross

Cross was introduced by fourth-grader Addison Halus and nominated by Medway resident Kate Fennyery.

“Teaching is something she feels she was meant to do and wanted to make sure that she could be the teacher she wanted to have for her own children,” Halus said.

Cross has served the Medway Community for over 22 years out of her 40 years as an educator. Having taught at Burke Middle School and Memorial School, she has the unique gift of motivating and inspiring each of her students and encouraging them to be their best by building strong connections with them. Through her creative and engaging learning activities, she fostered a fun, welcoming classroom environment.

James Tremble

Tremble was introduced by fourth-grader Krishna Patel and nominated by Medway resident Kathy Gaudreau.

“When I interviewed Mr. Tremble, he told me his job is much more than just delivering food, it’s about making connections and supporting people,” Patel said.

Tremble has been a Medway resident for over 56 years and has had the privilege of raising his three children in the community. As a former Staff Sergeant in the Air National Guard, he has a strong inclination toward directly impacting the well-being of his community. He has been dedicated to helping fight hunger in Medway through his commitment to volunteering for the Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels. He has also been involved in the Medway Lions Club by serving as president, secretary, and, most recently, treasurer for 20 years. He has led numerous activities and fundraisers and built up the youth soccer program as its former director. He is often regarded as a “doer” and a selfless and giving people-person, evident through his strong involvement in the Medway community.