The Durfee Alumni Association held its annual meeting on Friday where a pair of distinguished graduates were honored and 25 members of the class of 2012 were awarded scholarships.

Joseph Sabik, graduate of Durfees Class of 1979, and Irving Picard, Class of 1959, were the honorees. Sabik is the chairman of the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgical Heart and Vascular Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and Picard is a partner in the New York law office of Baker Hostetler.

Picard is leading the efforts to investigate and recover funds for investors from the Ponzi scheme organized by Bernie Madoff. Both honorees said the educational foundation they received in the Fall River school system laid the groundwork for future success. Picard graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Boston University School of Law and New York University School of Law. He is a member of the New York and American Bar Associations.

Sabik praised the students for their academic success. He explained to the students that future success boils down to opportunity, success/failure and risk.

Theres no better gift you can give someone than opportunity, Sabik said. What determines our future is what we do with the opportunities we are given. I was fortunate to be raised in a community where education is valued.

Sabik admitted to not being the best student when he was a young child. To motivate him, Sabiks father offered him and his sister 75 cents for every A they got on their report card. They received a quarter for a B and got no money for a C or lower. On the first grading period, his sister got about $7 while he received 25 cents.

I was very upset, Sabik said. My father motivated me. I didnt like losing, didnt like coming in second.

Sabik was able to turn his academic career around, graduating in the top 10 of his class. He went on to earn degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology followed by Harvard Medical School. Through his distinguished academic career, Sabik learned he was passionate about medicine. He encouraged the students to pursue a career they have a passion for.

I love my job, Sabik said. I love what I do. Find things you enjoy doing. Finds things you are passionate about and pursue them.

Sabik told the students to take thoughtful, educated risks and dare to dream big.

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Durfee grads make the grade; top 25 students awarded scholarships