State Senator Patrick O’Connor was named the Massachusetts Association of School Committees’ legislator of the year at a State House event on Monday. MASC President Denise Hurst presented the award. [Courtesy photo]

• State Senator Patrick O’Connor was honored with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees’ 2026 Legislator of the Year Award during MASC’s annual Day on the Hill on Monday.

The advocacy event brought more than 300 school committee members, educators, administrators, students, and advocates to Beacon Hill, where they had important conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing public education.

“Since coming into office nearly a decade ago, I have made investing in education a top legislative priority,” said O’Connor, who was a speaker at the event. “I am grateful for the strong partnerships my office has built with public school systems across the eight towns I represent, and I remain committed to continuing this work to support our students, educators, and communities.”

• “Weeding the Truth,” a film about marijuana’s impact on teen brain development, adolescent mental health, and academic performance directed by Hull’s Lori Tobin, won best short documentary at last month’s Toronto International Short Film Awards. Through interviews with medical experts and law enforcement officers, as well as students and families, the film shares compelling experiences and recovery stories. For more information, visit www.weedingthetruth.com.
• Are you ready for Marathon Monday? Hull’s Lauren Anastos, 24, will be running the Boston Marathon this year for Boston Children’s Hospital. Anastos was born with dermatofibrosarcoma, a rare form of skin cancer. Between birth and age three, she underwent five operations at Boston Children’s Hospital, during which more than five inches of her skull were removed. She has been cancer-free since and has decided to take on her very first marathon, giving back to the hospital that saved her life.

Anastos is a 2020 graduate of Hull High, where she became the all-time leading scorer for the Lady Pirates soccer team, and she recently graduated from Connecticut College, where she was a standout Division III soccer player.

Other Hull residents running in this year’s Boston Marathon include Ryan Baggett, Patrick Butler, Adrenne Lamb, and Clark Ricciardelli.

• Ken Walsh, VFW special aide-de-camp for VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore, center, and Hull’s Bob Cleary of Hingham-Hull VFW Post 6053 attended the VFW Recognition Banquet at Walpole VFW Post 5811 on March 21. [Courtesy photo]

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