Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 12, 2023 Making their scholastic mark The Whitcomb quadruplets are achieving their goals at UMass Lowell; the two sisters are set to graduate tomorrow, and the two brothers will earn their degrees in the future By Katharine Webster D iana and Collette Whitcomb are the female half of a set of quadruplets who all ended up at UMass Lowell. But the sisters from Saugus, who recently got matching grasshopper tattoos because they used to catch grasshoppers together in their family’s backyard, will “walk” before their brothers Andrew and Bryce. They’re excited to graduate together from the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. The Whitcomb sisters are set to receive their degrees tomorrow during the UMass Lowell 2023 commencement exercises at the Tsongas Center. They are among the graduates in the Class of 2023 from eight families who have multiple siblings earning diplomas. “I think it’s kind of cool. I’m happy I can do it with Diana,” said Collette, turning to her sister and adding, “You’re my favorite.” “Aww, you’re my favorite!” Diana replied. Diana, a nursing student who just finished her precepASKS | FROM PAGE 4 the town manager. I’ve seen all types of town managers. But I think if you look at the retorship with the school nurse at the Bartlett School in Lowell, also works at Lahey Clinic and has applied to the nurse residency program there. Collette, a nutritional science major, is looking into lab and research jobs as well as graduate school. Both took electives in art history in their early semesters at UML. They loved it so much Diana ended up earning a minor in art history, while Collette completed a minor in architectural studies. “Those are my fun classes,” Collette said. “It makes you a well-rounded person,” Diana agreed. Andrew, a business major with concentrations in marketing and management, completed a professional co-op with Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. for six months last year. He will graduate in December and go straight into UMass Lowell’s MBA program. Bryce, a junior who transferred to the university from North Shore Community College, recently switched his major from computer science to management information systems, joining his brothcord, you can make your own judgement as to who were the most effective and who were the least effective. 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Kitchen Hours: Monday - Saturday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Closed Sundays (Except 5/14) Join us on Sunday, May 14th Open at 1:00 PM Treat Mom to our famous Surf & Turf featuring Ribeye with Two Stuffed Shrimp and Roasted Potatoes. Only $35.00 www.8/10bargrille.com NEW COLLEGE GRADS: Pictured from left to right: Collette and Diana Whitcomb recently displayed matching grasshopper tattoos. The sisters, who are half of a set of quadruplets from Saugus, used to catch the insects in their backyard. Tomorrow they will be receiving their diplomas in commencement exercises at UMass Lowell. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Brooke Coupal) er in the Manning School of Business. How will the four of them and their mom celebrate after Commencement? That’s easy, Q: And as far as longevity… A: Yes, I think the present town manager has been the longest. Q: Yes, he’s the only one who has served for over a decade. A: Yes, and if you look at his record, and financially – the type of situation we’re in – he has a combination of accounting background, legal background; he was also a police officer. He has a lot of vision, which is great. It’s a very difficult job. It takes a tremendous amount of time; every day’s a problem, and it’s a difficult position. I think some town managers were much more qualified than others. Unfortunately, we had one [Bisignani] that went to jail for criminal wrongdoing – a sad situation. The present town manager was fired and there was a recall as a result of it. So, it’s been an interesting nine town managers. Q: What would you say is the average number of hours that it takes to be a town counsel? A: I would say it varies. Now, during Town Meeting when it meets, it’s more because you need to be at the Town Meeting, and members have a lot of questions during the the sisters agreed: They’ll go out to dinner somewhere and then head to Richardson’s for ice cream. “They’re the best!” the sisters chorused. Editor’s Note: Katharine Webster is a UMass Lowell senior staff writer and editor. Saugus Town Counsel John Vasapolli advocates two major changes in his hometown government: staggered terms for members of the Board of Selectmen and expansion of the Town Meeting from 50 up to 100 members. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) week. But on a daily basis, I’m in touch with department heads with legal questions. The building inspector will call me about the zoning bylaws. The town clerk might call me. The manager, I speak to every day probably – or almost every day – on various matters. So, it varies. I’m available fulltime even though I have a private practice, but I am availASKS | SEE PAGE 12
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