Karlyne served as an educator in the Peabody community for thirty-five (35) years and spent thirty-four (34) of those years as a proud member of the Peabody Public Schools. Mrs. Furnari began her career in early childhood education/preschool and then became a paraprofessional. Through tireless efforts and determination, Mrs. Furnari worked her way up to obtaining her dream job as a social studies teacher at the Higgins Middle School. Throughout her years as a teacher, Karlyne drew upon her experience as a paraprofessional and recognized the importance of individualization in education. She recognized primarily that all students can learn when a teacher taps into their individual strengths, abilities, and interests. She not only embraced differences in learning styles, but taught students how to recognize their own style and study in a way that made sense for them.

There are students who learn by reading, while others learn by listening, and still others learn by doing. This revelation helped students to see that they could be successful in school and set them on the right path toward their own academic excellence. Not only did Mrs. Furnari leave an indelible mark on her students, but she also served as a role model for her colleagues as well. Her roles as cluster teacher, new teacher mentor, and curriculum facilitator gave her the opportunity to share her experiences with numerous teachers over the years. Whether a colleague needed help with classroom management or materials, a sounding board for innovative ideas, or the wisdom of a veteran teacher, they knew they could count on her. Karlyne Furnari taught hundreds of students, mentored dozens of teachers, and her impact is truly immeasurable.

Fran’s dedicated service spans an impressive thirty-three (33) years within the Peabody Schools. Beyond her role as an educator, she dons various hats in our community, serving as a Library Trustee, a member of the Garden Club, and the esteemed Chairwoman of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Her commitment extends further as a long-time volunteer at the Haven from Hunger, where she selflessly contributes wherever and whenever needed. Fran’s influence leaves an indelible mark on our community. As she travels throughout the city, it’s a common occurrence for her to encounter former students or parents of former students. Their faces light up as they take a moment to express their deep appreciation for Fran’s unwavering guidance, endless patience, and boundless inspiration. They fondly recall her words of encouragement, her tireless work ethic, her unwavering fairness, and her profound positive impact.

It’s abundantly clear that Fran has sculpted more than just scholars; she has cultivated a deep-seated passion for learning within her students and has served as a beacon of mentorship in their lives. Fran’s teaching transcends the classroom; she equips her students for the journey ahead. She ignites a spark within them, nurturing their desire to learn and motivating them to make a positive mark on the world around them. Fran’s legacy isn’t just one of teaching; it’s a legacy of empowerment and transformation.

David Gravel joined the PEF Board in 2004. Nineteen (19) years later, David stands as the current President & Chairman of the Board. David is a strong advocate of education and has certainly provided a lifetime of contributions to the Peabody public school system. His unwavering dedication, innovative approach, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment has transformed and left an indelible mark on Peabody’s students and teachers.

Dave served four (4) terms on the Peabody School Committee, dedicating endless hours to the future of our students. Following his School Committee tenure, Dave served six (6) terms on the Peabody City Council further demonstrating his commitment to his hometown, and its students, simultaneously with his time on the PEF Board. Since Dave was elected President in June 2008, the Peabody Education Foundation has flourished tremendously. He has worked endlessly to procure donations, resources, and volunteers from local businesses and the community to support PEF’s programs and events. More importantly, Dave dedicates the resources of his business to PEF initiatives. Whether its work provided by his staff, providing space for meetings, or countless financial and in-kind donations, has been the auxiliary engine behind the engine that is PEF, and that comes from its leadership. Dave has led the expansion of the mission of the PEF to not only provide our students with the resources to develop them into successful citizens and leaders, but more recently by the launch of a Mental Wellness Initiative to deliver programs that will help bring balance and emotional support to our schools, as well as provide reading materials, motivational speakers, and other resources to help our students deal with the mental health issues that challenge them every day.

The Board of the Peabody Education Foundation is honored to support David Gravel for the George Peabody Legacy Award; he is a true inspiration to all and truly believes that education is essential for building a better tomorrow for our children.