Fairhaven's Baldwin Superintendent of the Year [PHIL-OSOPHY]

I make my living on the air, and right now, I'm treading on air over the news that Fairhaven Superintendent Robert Baldwin, PhD., has been chosen "Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year 2020 - 2021." The American Association of School Superintendents honors one superintendent in each of the 50 states, centering on leadership in learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement. I can hear his late dad's unalike voice in my inner ear, extolling his son's major achievement.

Years ago, do you recall listening to the legendary Russ Baldwin? Striving for excellence with humility was embodied in the Baldwin family DNA. Russ was a major league heavyweight, as a news director and sports announcer. His son proudly continues the tradition of excellence, which probably had its roots back when Russ and his wonderful wife, Jean, were bringing up the Baldwin posse.

Bob said he will always be grateful to the mentorship of Dartmouth High's coach, the late-great Carlin Lynch. I'll credit Russ Baldwin for giving me direction and advice, that took a while to sink in, if you catch my drift.

We started on the same morning, without having met each other beforehand. We clicked, and we became friends on and off the air. I didn't own a car when I first moved here from the Boston radio market, so Russ offered to swing by and pick me up every morning at 4:30 a.m., so we could start our morning show on WNBH. I was frequently late. Alright, I was continually unpunctual and behind schedule. But if not for Russ Baldwin's camaraderie, I wouldn't have lasted too long in local radio.

Although he isn't physically with us, together with his wife, Jean, they are here through their good parenting that brought up an extraordinary family that's helped make our community a much better place.

The Talmud says, "When you teach your son, you teach your son's son." The Baldwins apparently adopted that philosophy not only for their family but for their beloved community family as well.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.