Former School Committee member remembered for years of work

The Wareham School Committee gave a moment of silence for former member, Clifford Sylvia, at the Thursday, Feb. 26 meeting following his passing Tuesday, Feb. 24. 

Sylvia was a teacher, department head and worked for the district from 1966 to 1997. Sylvia completed five, three-year terms on the school committee, leaving in 2017. 

Early in his tenure, he helped to develop a Wareham High School chapter of DECA, formerly known as Distributive Education Clubs of America. The club helps students hone their skills in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

DECA continues to successfully operate, competeing in national competitions and hosting various events in the community throughout the years. The Wareham High School Store, run by DECA students, was named after Sylvia in 2022. 

Chair of the school committee, Geoff Swett praised Sylvia's work throughout his time in the district. He said that DECA was Sylvia's "baby" and highlighted how much the program means to the community. 

Sylvia later worked as a principal at Sandwich High School, among other posts, he told Wareham Week in 2022 during the naming of the school store that no matter where his career took him, “my soul will always be in Wareham High.’’

"Not only did he leave a wonderful legacy, but his daughter, Cindy, took over that program for years, too," Swett said.

Swett led the meeting in the moment of silence, wishing Sylvia to rest in peace.