THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 26, 2026 Page 7 Whittier School Permanently Marks the Legacy of Elizabeth McNeil Special to The Advocate T he Whittier School unveiled a plaque inside its library to honor the late Elizabeth McNeil, who shared her love of education and the City of Everett by serving as a longtime, loyal reading mentor to Grade 1 and 2 students. “To be from Everett is to have either known Elizabeth McNeil, as I did, or to at least know and appreciate how much she meant to our city,” said Superintendent William D. Hart. “She was a dedicated and active member of our community, and I am thrilled that there is a permanent place inside the Whittier to commemorate her place in Everett’s history.” The special ceremony, held on Thursday, June 19, 2026, was hosted by Whittier School Principal Mike McLucas and Everett Public Schools Director of Strategic Initiatives Rosemary Hughes. Mrs. McNeil’s daughter, Joan Clifford, and granddaughter, Shauna Caterino, unveiled the plaque, which reads in part, “Through Pictured from left to right: Rosemary Hughes, EPS Director of Strategic Initiatives; Christopher Barrett, Assistant Superintendent of Finance; Lou and Denise McNeil; Joan Clifford; Shauna and Daniel Caterino; and Mike McLucas, Principal of Whittier School. her kindness, enthusiasm, and love of education, ‘Betty’ made a difference with our Whittier students — one story at a time. She leaves a legacy that inspires our lifelong learners.” Mrs. McNeil’s son and daughter-in-law, Lou and Denise McNeil, her grandsonin-law, Daniel Caterino, and longtime family friend Maryann Jordan were also in attendance, sharing heartwarming memories of Mrs. McNeil’s remarkable life. Mrs. McNeil earned a degree from Harvard at age 82. After graduating, she volunteered for Boston By Foot, proudly showing visitors historic sites Joan Clifford and Shauna Caterino unveil a plaque inside the Whittier School Library honoring their mother and grandmother, Elizabeth McNeil. in the North End and Beacon Hill. In 2014, her family established a scholarship in her name for a graduating senior at Everett High School (EHS), and she attended every EHS Scholarship Night in person until she passed away in 2024 at age 100.
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