At the April 23 school board meeting, the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors approved a proposal brought forward by the Everett High School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to rename Everett High School Library to the Lawrence E. O’Donnell Everett High Library, in recognition of his passion for Everett and the inspiration he has kindled in countless others.
Larry O’Donnell is an esteemed alumnus of the class of 1955 and is a well-known and beloved local historian and author of several books including Everett School District – The First 100 Years.
He began as a kindergartner at the old Jefferson Elementary (where the current post office is located) and according to his retirement letter in April 1989 “…Jefferson contributed to my eventual decision to become a teacher.”
He then attended South Junior High (currently Sequoia High School), later becoming the principal when the school was known as Port Gardner. O’Donnell then became an Everett Seagull, graduating in 1955. He returned to his hometown after college graduation and began his teaching career at the “new” Evergreen Junior High in 1959.
In his 47-year career in Everett Public Schools, he served in multiple roles including teacher, counselor, dean, vice principal, and principal, and at multiple schools, including Cascade High School, Port Gardner, and Whittier, Emerson, Lowell, and Jefferson elementary schools, finishing his career as the district’s Director of Facilities and Planning.
After retirement, O’Donnell continued his lifelong interest in local history, writing or co-writing several books. Larry and his brother Jack O’Donnell can be trusted to answer any historical question, usually without looking it up.
Superintendent Dr. Saltzman added, “Larry O’Donnell’s contributions to our community and dedication to education exemplify the values we strive to instill in every student. By renaming the Everett High School Library in his honor, we pay tribute to his remarkable legacy and inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps of service and learning.”
A dedication ceremony will be held in the Everett High School library on June 5 from 5 to 7 pm with a short program at 6 pm.
April 24, 2024
Everett Schools