This spring, the Community Advocate published stories about four members of the Southborough community. Today, I’m sharing their stories.
Stories include interviews with elementary school principals who are retiring this month. They also profiled a Southborough Fire Department captain. And they spoke to a resident Vietnam era veteran and his long ago work helping service members who needed “a second chance”.
‘I love coming to work’: Southborough fire captain reflects on life of serving community – Jun 5, 2026:
The article recalls a moment when Southborough Fire Department Captain Christian Dano saved a child’s life while off duty:
He still looks back on this day as one of his proudest moments in his 35 years as a firefighter, and he often thinks about those kids – who are now in their 30s – and the countless others he has been able to help throughout his career.
For Dano, life is about service.
That service began further back than his work at the SFD:
He trained in the infantry with hopes of becoming a police officer and served in the Army Reserves from 1990 to 1995. However, after three weeks in his criminal justice course at Quinsigamond Community College, Dano realized the police force wasn’t for him.
He joined his hometown fire department in Auburn as a call firefighter in 1991: “It took one ride in a fire truck and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. That was my calling.” (read more)
How a Southborough veteran helped give Vietnam War soldiers a second chance – May 19, 2026:
The piece starts off addressing Southborough veteran Chris Robbins’ long ago decision to stop wearing his uniform due to public anger at the military over the Vietnam War. It then discusses the more recent change as the community began to honor veterans.
The change in public perception has given many veterans like Robbins a second chance to celebrate the sacrifices they made for the country.
Anger about the war wasn’t limited to the citizens back home. Drafted soldiers struggled during their service. Some turned to drugs or ended up imprisoned, while others — feeling unwanted in their units — faced getting a dishonorable discharge at any moment.
However, during his service, Robbins and fellow officers were able to provide those dissatisfied soldiers with their very own “second chance.”
Because of his experience working for the Outward Bound School in Maine, Robbins was given the mission to develop and implement a unique rehabilitation program at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, which offered soldiers the opportunity to become productive service members and obtain an honorable discharge at the end of their duty. (read more)
After 30 years, Ryan to retire as Finn Elementary School principal – May 16, 2026:
In the 1980s, Clayton Ryan was finishing up college while working part-time for V66, a Boston television station. In his role, Ryan helped around the studios on Speen Street in Natick. He had dreams of being a television comedy writer.
But his career went off-script – something he’s forever grateful for. After working in various industries, Ryan is retiring after three decades working in child psychology and public education. He’s been the longtime principal of Southborough’s Mary E. Finn Elementary School.
“Working with the kids is probably the most rewarding part – to build a connection with a student, to help them when they’re feeling sad, to build a sense of trust, to let them know that an adult cares,” he said. (read more)
Kathleen Valenti to retire after 12 years as Neary principal – May 7, 2026:
after 12 years leading Neary School, Valenti is ready to embark on her next big adventure: retirement.
“I can’t believe I’m at this point in my life,” she said, highlighting how she’ll miss the days walking through the halls, greeting students, and working with her staff.
One of her favorite memories was always the last day of school: “Because that’s when we know we’ve done a really good job,” Valenti said. And though the day has always brought her to tears, this year’s departure from students is sure to be the hardest. (read more)
[Editor’s Note: The article doesn’t reference the elephant in the room — the controversy at Neary a few years ago and her actions that prompted some Southborough parents to petition for Valenti’s firing.]
