(wickedlocal.com)
In a heartfelt dedication ceremony on Thursday, January 3, members of Dick Kief's family celebrated the unveiling of the TV studio named in his honor at Norwood High School.
Scott Murphy, President of the NPA-TV Board of Directors, emphasized Kief's preference for being called "Dick" rather than Richard or Richard W. The plaque now proudly reads, "Dick Kief TV Studio," acknowledging Kief's pivotal role in fostering a public/private television partnership for the benefit of Norwood citizens and students.
Murphy spoke of the significance of this studio, emphasizing that it stands as a testament to Kief's vision and dedication. The collaboration between NPA-TV and the Norwood school system, initiated in 2004 at Kief's suggestion, has provided unique opportunities for the community.
Past and present Norwood High students shared testimonials about Kief's transformative influence on their lives. Norwood High senior Ryan Begley expressed gratitude for the studio, stating, "If it weren't for Mr. Kief starting this studio and bringing it here, I wouldn't have the opportunity to do what I do." Alex Slater, a Norwood High School Class of 2010 graduate, highlighted the doors opened by Kief's efforts, including her upcoming internship with FremantleMedia North America in Los Angeles, which produces shows like American Idol, The X Factor, and The Price is Right.
Norwood High School Principal George Usevich described the collaboration between the schools and NPA as Kief's "labor of love," and he referred to the studio as a beacon that will always shine bright in the modern facility.
"He would always refer to the partnership as a win-win, and he was right," Usevich said. "This studio, which mil bear his name, is a beacon that will always shine bright when people visit and tour our 21st century' facility."
Jim Kief, representing the Kief family, expressed gratitude for the special recognition, emphasizing his father's passion for bringing NPA resources to the high school.
"This is what my dad was all about. On behalf of the Kief family, I want to thank you all for this special recognition," Jim said. "Several years ago, the ideas of my dad and several of the others that are in this room, they passionately advocated to bring the resources of NPA to the high school and mix them together. The bottom line was it was always about the kids, how we can provide these resources to the kids to expand their knowledge in the audio/visual arts."
The dedication ceremony featured invocations by the Rev. John Culloty and a benediction by the Rev. George Emerson, along with a touching video tribute created by Meghan Staffiere Corbett and NPA staff.
Dick Kief, who passed away on October 27 at the age of 75, left an indelible mark on Norwood, serving on the School Committee and Permanent Building Construction Committee. His name, already present on plaques throughout the town, now graces the NPA-TV studio, ensuring that his legacy lives on. Principal Usevich concluded the ceremony by expressing joy at announcing broadcasts from the "Dick Kief TV Studio" during various shows produced at the high school.
(George Curtis, Norwood Historical Society)
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