The Paul M. Bean Memorial Scholarship

Paul Bean lived an active life full of adventure. Growing up in Melrose, Paul used the nearby “Common” to play every possible sport. Demonstrating the skills, kindness, and patience that would mark his entire life, he took care to include anyone eager to play, without regard for age or ability.

While at Melrose High School, he earned nine varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball; he won special recognition from the Boston papers which touted his success on Melrose’s exceptionally talented ’50 and ’51 teams. Moving on to Springfield College, he earned sevens varsity letters for football and baseball and received his Bachelor’s degree in 1956. A highlight of his college career was playing third base for Springfield in the 1956 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. While in college, he also played summer baseball in Grand Falls, New Brunswick. Paul was inducted into the Melrose High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.

Hired to teach physical education at Melrose High School, Paul also continued his studies, earning a Master’s degree in Education from Boston University while also managing his teaching, coaching, and parenting responsibilities. Over the course of his thirty years’ tenure at Melrose High, Paul taught hundreds of students, some eager and athletic and some less so. No matter, for after his retirement, Paul would run into former students and hear them say, “you were my favorite teacher of all time.”

Above and beyond his teaching responsibilities, Paul never said “no” when asked to coach a sport; it didn’t matter if he knew how to play it or not. Baseball was always his favorite to play and coach, but he put his heart into coaching football, hockey, wrestling, and even, while his daughters were in school, their varsity tennis team. He also served as the Assistant Athletic Director for five years even though the responsibility cut into his winter ski season.

A dedicated Methodist, Paul’s faith was an integral part of his character. A member of the First United Methodist Church of Melrose, Paul attended services regularly and formed life-long bonds. He lived a good life built on character, kindness, and faith.

Paul M. Bean Biography

 

A preference for a student, male or female, who has exhibited the traits that made Mr. Bean special:

• kindness
• humility
• athleticism
• a dedication to furthering the education of others.

Special preference for students intending to enroll at either
Springfield College or Boston University.

Coach Bean’s obituary

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