A Riverside native who has dedicated his life to educating and guiding young minds in East Providence as a teacher and a counselor has been nominated for a national award celebrating those working in schools who “exemplify excellence, positive influence, and leadership”.

Richard Silva, who has spent the past 39 years as a teacher and guidance counselor for East Providence public schools, was nominated anonymously by a colleague for the “LifeChanger of the Year” award from National Life Group, which since 2011 has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in more than 2,300 school districts across the country.

Silva attended East Providence public schools, graduated from East Providence High School and attended Providence College, originally majoring in biology with plans to eventually apply to medical school. But, Silva said in a recent email exchange, that all changed his sophomore year; fittingly enough, when he met with his advisor.

“[They] asked me the simple question: ‘If you can do anything for the rest of your life, what would it be?’ Without hesitation, I responded: ‘a teacher,’” Silva said. “I have never regretted my decision, even 39 years later.”

Silva pivoted to a degree majoring in education, with a concentration in biology and chemistry. He would begin his teaching career at East Providence High School in 1987. But shortly after the advent of the new millennium, he felt the familiar feeling of change dawning on him.

“In the early 2000's, I started to think about what other impact I could have on students other than being in the classroom,” he said. “I loved the classroom, I loved the students I taught, but I didn't want to get stale as a teacher, so I figured I would prepare myself for a new role that I could explore at the end of my career…In 2004, I faced a choice — science department head, or school counselor.”

Once again, Silva turned to advice from another trusted source (this time former school superintendent and current chair of the school department’s building committee, Manny Vinhateiro).

“His wisdom and advice led me to believe that pursuing school counseling was my destiny,” Silva said. “Although I still to this day miss the classroom, I have never regretted my decision to be a school counselor.”

The ‘heart’ of East Providence High

Silva’s impact at the school since making that career switch is best told through the application sent to National Life Group, which heralds his extensive efforts to recognize student accomplishments, create an open and caring atmosphere for all, and create initiatives to foster genuine feelings of community among the school.

The application mentions Silva’s work serving as a long-time advisor to the Student Council and National Honor Society, his creation of the “WINSday” weekly trivia quiz that awards students and staff members with prizes (often paid for from his own pockets), his promoting of the Student of the Month program through celebratory lunches, his organization of events such as “Coffee with a Cop” for school resource officers and annual celebrations of school administrators, as well as initiating a thank-you card campaign during National School Counselor Week to show appreciation for the work done by school counselors, written by students who have been helped.

The application mentions Silva’s participation serving on the New England and National Advisory Boards for the College Board, and his collaboration with then-State Rep. and now Secretary of State Gregg Amore to advocate for free AP testing for Rhode Island students receiving free and reduced lunch, which has since become a legislated reality.

“His compassion and generosity extend deeply into his personal actions. He has quietly covered the cost of caps and gowns, prom tickets, and yearbooks for students in need—gestures many former students still return to thank him for. He has led food, clothing, and toy drives for families in need during the holidays. Most recently, he worked with students to organize a tribute to honor veterans, including the installation of a permanent plaque in the school's foyer dedicated to alumni who have served in the military,” the application continues. “Even the counseling suite reflects his care; he decorates it year-round to reflect seasonal holidays and observances, creating a welcoming and comforting space for students. Every thoughtful detail he adds communicates the same message: ‘You matter.’”

“Richard is the heart of our school," said assistant principal Jill Usenia in the nomination letter.

Principal Bill Black agreed.

“Richard Silva embodies what it means to be a Townie. His pride in East Providence High School runs deep, and he has spent decades instilling that same Townie Pride and sense of family in our students,” he said. “Townie Pride isn’t just something we say, it’s something we live. Richard Silva has been one of its strongest champions, creating traditions, celebrating people, and reminding students that being a Townie means taking care of one another.”

Not one to seek the spotlight

Silva made it apparent in his responses to questions about the recognition that he’s not one to seek out attention for the work he does.

“I don't like to draw attention to myself, so it was difficult accepting this recognition,” he said. “However, the feedback from my colleagues, administrators, family, and friends has been nothing short of amazing and humbling.”

Silva credits many of his colleagues, past and present, with providing him the support and guidance needed to develop as a person and an educator. Those include the late John DeGoes (former superintendent); the late Arthur Elmasian, Silva’s first building principal; former Career and Technical Center director Karen Mellen; and his mentor in the counseling department (and his former English teacher), Christy Carroll.

“All of these individuals, along with the countless teachers, administrators, administrative assistants, and custodial and maintenance [personnel] I’ve worked with over the years have always been there to support me,” Silva said.

Silva said that he has strived his entire career to build the kind of environment he is now being recognized for.

“I emphasize the importance of kindness and have even coined the term ‘Townie Love’,” he said. “Which I define as the heart behind our pride—the belief that we are stronger when we care for and support one another.”

But all the day-to-day happenings and kindhearted efforts aside, Silva said he looks at his career as a whole as his greatest source of pride.

“My biggest reward has been working with the thousands of students I've met over my career,” he said. “It is no secret that all students learn differently, and I have enjoyed working with all of them. I have run into former MLL students who have opened their own businesses, AP students who went on to become, among other things: doctors, lawyers, nurses, and teachers, and other hardworking students who found success in achieving their goals. As a school counselor, I would like to think I played a positive role in helping my students start the next chapter of their lives.”

Silva, asked what the greatest challenges are in the job today, said that the proliferation of anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues have “skyrocketed”, particularly since the pandemic.

“Large caseloads make it difficult to provide each student with the time they deserve, but along with my colleagues in the counseling department, whom I consider my second family, we do our best,” he said. “There is good in every student, and part of my job is to point that out to them.”

It is often said that teaching and careers in education are not simply a job, but a calling. While many talented individuals in the field could probably find fortune or fame in different careers, Silva says he is one of those educators who finds ample reward answering that calling.

“Educators love what we do. We genuinely care for the students entrusted to us and want to make the world a better place,” he said. “Most of my college buddies went on to lucrative careers. They drive fancy cars and live in big houses.

“I drive a 2003 Toyota Corolla and live in a small house, but I'd like to think I've made a difference.”