MAVA Colleagues,
We are most pleased to share this piece on a tremendous event provided to us by Laura Alderson, Director of Career & Technical Education for the Watertown Public Schools.
David
Clean Energy, Careers, and Accessory Dwelling Units a Focus at Watertown High Event
On May 7, 2026, students at Watertown High School were treated to the fourth in-house field trip as part of a program sponsored by a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. The program was run by the High-Performance Building Innovators Club at Watertown High School. Educators Dean Poillucci, Jason Walsh, and Daniel Birch oversaw the program.
During the first part of the program students connected with professionals working across clean energy, housing, planning, and technology to learn
how careers can evolve through different experiences, interests, and opportunities. Speakers shared honest advice about life after high school, emphasizing that success can come through college, the trades, public service, or paths that look completely different than expected. Speakers included:
- Sarah Cunningham
Senior Product Manager, Team Product Lean, Takeoff & Estimating Group, Autodesk
From L to R: Stephanie Couch, Sarah Cunningham, Becca George, Claire Morehouse, Meredith Boericke, and Beverly Craig
- Katie Segal
Senior Director of Offshore Wind, Environmental League of Massachusetts - Claire Morehouse
Massachusetts Executive Office, Housing and Livable Communities - Becca George
Regional Planner, Housing and Livable Communities - Meredith Boericke
Accessory Dwelling Unit Program Director, Massachusetts Housing Partnership - Beverly Craig
Program Director, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
The day also featured learning about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), connecting students to real-world challenges and opportunities shaping Massachusetts communities and housing goals. This included an activity where students navigated a full-scale floor plan of an ADU in the gym and learned about sustainable and energy-conservation
L to R: Beverly Craig, Meredith Boericke, Claire Morehouse, and Becca George
measures employed in today’s housing projects. This project was led by educators Jason Welch, Daniel Birch, and Dean Poillucci along with the High-Performance Building Innovators Club students. Prizes were awarded to teams that were able to combine energy and cost efficiency.
An added treat was provided by Watertown High’s Culinary Program students. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled chicken and steak, rice, black beans, guacamole, street corn dip and more.
Thanks to everyone who made this event another impactful part of the MassCEC grant program. In particular, Laura Alderson, Watertown High School’s CTE director, who has stewarded this program from the beginning.
A Mexican-themed lunch was provided by students in the Culinary Program
A full scale print out of a 600 sf ADU was deployed in the gym.
Dr. Birch helps students assemble their prototypes.
Students explored energy efficiency options during the activity.
One team of winners display their prototype and their prizes.
The second winning team, along with Mr. Poillucci, right, pose with their prototype and prizes.
Posters created by members of the High-Performance Building Innovators Club on display at the event:
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Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
