Woonsocket Rotary Vocational Service Award
     Vocational Service is the way Rotary fosters and supports the application of the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations. Inherent in the Vocational Service ideal are: Adherence to, and promotion of, the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including faithfulness and fidelity to employers, employees, and associates, fair treatment of them and of competitors, the public, and all those with whom one has any business or professional relationships. The contribution of one’s vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.

    Vocational Services is the banner by which Rotarians recognize the worthiness of all occupations and demonstrates a commitment to high ethical standards in all businesses and professions. Each Rotarian makes a valuable contribution to a better society through their daily activities in business or their chosen profession. The Woonsocket Rotary Vocational Service Award recognizes the dignity of employment and volunteer involvement by honoring the exemplary service of an outstanding individual or business in our community.

For more information on the Woonsocket Rotary Vocations Service Award, contact Robert Picard, Chairman of the Vocational Service Award Committee at Bpicard369@yahoo.com.

2008 Award Recipient
Norman "Bill" Belisle named 2008 Woonsocket Rotary Vocational Service Award Recipient
     Bill Belisle has been a mentor, model, and example of the high standards of Rotary to hundreds of young people under his tutelage. This year’s honoree has earned a national reputation as the most successful high school hockey coach in the country. More importantly he has earned the respect of those in his vocation and those whom he has served as an outstanding model for his vocation and profession.
     He was born in Manville, Rhode Island and still makes his home there. He was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years in his community. A veteran of the Korean War attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He is the husband of Yvette and they have four sons. Bill is the veteran coach of the nationally recognized Mount St. Charles Hockey Team who under his leadership since 1975 has achieved the unprecedented goal of 26 consecutive State of Rhode Island High School division A Championships. The Mounties again this year earned the state championship.
     Mr. Belisle will be honored on Thursday, June 19 at the Savini's Restaurant, Rathburn St., Woonsocket. Tickets are $30. To reserve your tickets please contact Robert Picard, Chairman of the Vocational Service Award Committee at Bpicard369@yahoo.com.

2007 Award Recipient
Kevin Plouffe named 2007 Woonsocket Rotary Vocational Service Award Recipient
     Woonsocket Rotary honors Kevin Plouffe as the recipient of the Vocational Service Award. The Award is given to an individual who adheres to the highest ethical standards including faithfulness and fidelity to their employer, employees, and associates, fair treatment of them and of their competitors, the public, as well as all those with whom they have any business or professional relationships and the contribution of one’s vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.
     Plouffe earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance from the New England Conservatory in 1992 and a Master’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in conducting from the University of Rhode Island in 1994.
     He is in his twelfth year as band director at Woonsocket High School, where his responsibilities include directing the marching band, concert band, jazz band, and percussion ensembles, as well as serving as the music department representative. In addition, Plouffe teaches percussion at Brown University through the applied music program. He also coaches the Brown University Wind Symphony Percussion Section and conducts the Brown University Percussion Ensemble. He is president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society.
     On behalf of the musicians of the Woonsocket High School Music Department Plouffe has received numerous accolades including seven first place awards from national music festivals numerous second and third place awards as well as numerous honorable mentions. He is the founder of the Blackstone Valley High School Jazz Festival at the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 10 years and running.
     His past experience includes, Band Director at Norwood High School, Director of Rhode Island Music Educators’ Association Junior All-State Jazz Ensemble and faculty member at the University of New Hampshire Summer Youth Music School. He has performed with numerous orchestras throughout New England; the RI and Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, the Worcester Symphony Orchestra, New Bedford and Plymouth Symphony and Theatre by the Sea to name a few.
     Plouffe stated “I am fortunate to be able to share a passion everyday. I share the emotions of kids with the emotions of music everyday. It is the magic of music which brings the best out of the kids. They bring the best out of us. Music teaches us about ourselves. We learn our strengths and weaknesses. We develop character, creativity, cooperation and communication skills. It is music that teaches our youth the skills of the 21st century workplace.”
     Kevin resides in Mapleville with his wife, Diane who is a teacher and violinist, and his two daughters.

2006 Award Recipient
Owen Bebeau named 2006 Woonsocket Rotary Vocational Service Award Recipient
     The Woonsocket Rotary honored Owen Bebeau as the recipient of the 2006 Vocational Service Award on April 20, 2006. The award is presented to an individual who adheres to the highest ethical standards, including faithfulness and fidelity to their employer, employees, associates and the public.
     Owen Bebeau, a Woonsocket resident, is a 1979 graduate of Woonsocket High School and a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, receiving a bachelor's degree in business management. He was previously an employee of the State Street Corporation in North Quincy, Massachusetts for 17 years. He was hired as an account controller and promoted to account manager in the mutual funds division giving him custodial responsibilities for more than $1 billion in assets. Bebeau has also worked as a quality assurance test specialist with the bank helping, develop software applications for banking systems.
     A city resident, he is the son of Mary Bebeau. He also has a brother Warren Bebeau and sister Eleanor Acton.
     Bebeau has served three terms from 1991 to 1997 on the Woonsocket City Council. He has also served on the planning board since 1998, and also served as chairman of the board.
     Owen was honored to be chosen as the first King Jaycee for Woonsocket's Mardi Gras celebrations. He was also a recipient of the Woonsocket's Jaycee Citizen of the Year Award. He is a former board of directors member of the Greater Woonsocket YMCA and has served on the University of Rhode Island's Convocation Center Steering Committee.
     Owen is one of the founding members of the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre where he served as treasure for over five years. He is currently a member of the board of directors and a member of the Tech Crew for the theater. He is currently the Mayor of Woonsocket's Director of Human Services and Administrative Aid.