In 1972, Bruce Hutchins, then the youngest principal in Massachusetts at age 31, embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the community. When he retired in 2002 as the longest-tenured principal in the state, his legacy extended far beyond the walls of Dracut High School. Although many current students may not be familiar with Hutchins, who passed away last October at the age of 82, they certainly recognize the annual Dracut Scholarship Foundation Telethon, a testament to his vision and dedication.
The Dracut Scholarship Foundation, established in 1958, had long relied on donations and traditional fundraising events like bake sales and dances to support its mission. By 1984, the foundation sought new avenues to raise funds for scholarships. Recognizing the potential of student-produced programming in the high school’s local access cable studio, Hutchins proposed the idea of a telethon during a board meeting at his home one Sunday afternoon in January.
His suggestion struck a chord with the board, which promptly set the third week of March for the inaugural telethon with a fundraising goal of $15,000. With Hutchins leading the charge, student volunteers were recruited to operate studio equipment, manage incoming pledges (handled via the sole phone in Hutchins’ office), and organize performances for the telethon.
The first telethon, featuring on-air hosts such as DSF President Helen Gibson and community members Leo Lambert, Barbara Ferchak, and Jim Czerlonka, surpassed expectations, raising $20,000. Hutchins’ foresight in utilizing local access television as a platform for fundraising proved instrumental in the event’s success.
Reflecting on the telethon’s impact, Hutchins once remarked, “Both of these events, especially the Telethon, are unique and popular fabrics of life in Dracut.” His words, spoken over a decade ago, still ring true today.
Now, 40 years later, the telethon remains a cornerstone of community support, evolving with technological advancements while preserving its essence. With Gary Meuse at the helm as producer, the telethon continues to rally the community behind its cause. Longtime DSF board member Glenn Mello estimates that over its four-decade history, the telethon has provided scholarships to approximately 1,700 students, totaling over $2 million.
In a fitting tribute to Hutchins, this year’s telethon was dedicated to his memory, surpassing its fundraising goal with a total of $170,120. As the telethon continues to thrive, Hutchins’ legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of vision, collaboration, and community spirit.
