BURRILLVILLE – Pascoag resident Paula Toti has been included in Marquis Who’s Who, a publication chronicling the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment.
“Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process,” noted a release on the recognition.
For more than 30 years, Toti has worked as a physical education teacher for Shrewsbury Public Schools in Massachusetts, helping youth reach their potential and explore leadership and interpersonal skills, according to the publication.
“From a young age, Ms. Toti was active with and passionate about sports and other forms of physical activity,” the release, published earlier this year, noted. “Initially expecting to pursue a career in business, she recalls having a ‘light bulb’ moment as a high school sophomore, and with the encouragement of her field hockey coach, Leah Dauphaune, she began to explore the possibility of coaching professionally.”
Toti holds a bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College and a Master of Education from the University of New England, obtained in 1988 and 2002, respectively. She began her teaching career as a coach for Burrillville High School in 1989, and Dean College, in Franklin, Massachusetts in 1990, before moving into a full-time physical education position at Shrewsbury High School, where she remained for the next 21 years. In 2012, Toti stepped down from coaching duties at Shrewsbury High School to focus on administering nutrition, fitness and adventure programs.
She has led students to numerous championships and athletic awards, and has been recognized for her teaching excellence and independent athletic performance with several accolades, including a 1984 Sports Illustrated profile and several district awards.
“A beloved teacher and coach, Ms. Toti has made a mark on the student and faculty communities of the Shrewsbury Public Schools, and she looks forward to continuing her legacy for years to come,” the release states.
In speaking on the honor, Toti emphasized the value of hard work and faith, noting that “success is determined by determination,” according to the release.
She is involved in the Shrewsbury High School Athletic Booster Club, a member of the Massachusetts Physical Education Association and a volunteer at the Pascoag Community Baptist Church.
For further information on Toti, visit https://www.communityadvocate.com/2012/06/06/popular-shrewsbury-softb … ch-retires.
