BHS Auditorium Picked as Gray Tribute

The auditorium in Barrington High School will be made into some type of tribute to the late John Gray, the principal for 29 years who passed away a few weeks ago.

The School Committee voteds unanimously Thursday evening, Oct. 18, to pursue recommendations on how the auditorium can best keep Gray's memory alive at the high school.

The vote came after Principal Joseph Hurley reported that the auditorium generated "the most interest" among the School Improvement Team, other staff at the high school and Gray's wife.

"Everyone is in favor of some type of tribute," Hurley said.

But the auditorium is the place where most students and parents met Gray for the first time when they were freshmen entering the school, he said. And "John loved the arts," said Hurley, "and he was a factor in its renovation."

Superintendent Michael Messore had said previously that Gray "was noted for attending everything. He never missed a concert."

Other recommendations for a tribute included the school library, the athletic fields, and naming a medal given out at the annual Awards Night after him.

"John spent many hours in the auditorium," said Patrick Guida, chairman of the School Committee. "A lot of my memories of him are in that room."

In some way soon to be determined, Gray will always be linked to the auditorium.

Click here to see the Patch story on the memorial service to Gray.