Within moments of stepping into B108, students are greeted with a smiling face and a perky personality: Mrs. Zianio. The classroom lights turned off with some warm, dim lamps placed sporadically around the room, creating an inviting environment.
Each morning, at 7:25 a.m., Mrs. Zianio and LHS graduate herself, sits at her desk typing away at her Chromebook, always dressed with intention—long patterned skirt and jean jacket on with her nails freshly done. Her fashion, just like her teaching, never goes unnoticed.
Mrs. Zianio is a woman who takes pride in her teaching, making lasting bonds with students, and creating a space where her students feel comfortable. For those reasons, she’s been awarded the white gown at graduation by the Ludlow High School class of 2025—a symbol of excellence and respect.
Returning Home to Make a Difference
Mrs. Zianio’s plan wasn’t always to return to Ludlow High—but fate had other ideas. After graduating from Bridgewater State with a license in both History and English, she began her teaching career in Mansfield after working at a bank for some time.
Zianio said with a laugh, “It was kind of by accident.”
Although it wasn’t long before she ran into the principal of Ludlow High School, when one conversation led to another and she returned to her alma mater: “I started teaching English for a year, and then moved over to history,” she recalled.
That was 22 years ago. Since then, Mrs. Zianio has been guiding students with her lessons, laughs, and unwavering support. She became someone trusted and loved by many in Ludlow High School.
Mrs. Zianio’s School Spirit
Not only does Mrs. Zianio have a passion for teaching, but she also takes pride in Ludlow High School. She is one of the first faculty members to jump at the opportunity to participate in school activities at LHS, from spirit week to senior show, and even advising the BSU (Black Student Union).
Just this past year, Mrs. Zianio (alongside Mrs. Smith) was able to put together one of the best senior shows LHS has seen. She supported the students and creative processes each step of the way while developing the show, which turned into a huge success for the students.
Graduating senior Lucas Franco (most famous for his Donald Trump impression in the show) said, “Mrs. Zianio was incredibly helpful during the show.” Although never a student of hers, Lucas believes he was able to create a bond with Mrs. Zianio through the show because of the work she put into creating it. “She guided us through long rehearsals and helped us with ideas for our skits, which were very important to all of us,” he said.
This year’s senior show was definitely one for the books, thanks to Mrs. Zianios’ guidance. She continues to support students whether she has them in class or not. I think with her help, in the coming years, the senior shows will just keep progressing.
Some students of Mrs. Zianio may also note her interest in Ludlow athletics, which is no coincidence. Not only was she a past student athlete during her time at LHS, but she also volunteered/coached for the Ludlow girls soccer team for several years. Her connection to school spirit runs deep and is just another example of her investment in her students.
“During my soccer season she always asked how my games went and the final score,” junior Juliana Bartolucci said. “It made me feel like she cared about my life outside the classroom.”
The White Gown
Every year at Ludlow High School, one teacher is chosen by the graduating senior class to wear the coveted white gown at graduation: a symbol of excellence, respect, and admiration. The gown is presented to the teacher who has left the largest lasting impact on the class. For the class of 2025, that honor was awarded to Mrs. Zianio.
When she first heard she was receiving the gown, she admitted with a laugh, “It’s a little embarrassing,” she continued, “But also really special.” Mrs. Zianio was honored to be awarded the white gown for the 2025 graduation, amongst “so many amazing teachers,” here at LHS. It wasn’t the recognition she was most proud of—it was about the gesture presented.
The white gown doesn’t just symbolize appreciation; it reflects the relationship she was able to build between the class over their four years at LHS. It shows that the students don’t see her as just another teacher, but someone who truly cares about them and their success.
Senior Esther Coelho, who was able to have Mrs. Zianio as a teacher freshman and junior year, said, “I’m so grateful and thankful for everything she’s done for me, and I’ll never forget the impact she made—not just on me, but on so many of my classmates.”
That kind of impact, the one that sticks around forever, even after graduation, is exactly what the white gown stands for. And the impact Mrs. Zianio has made on the LHS graduating class of 2025 is something that they will truly never forget.
From being a student at Ludlow High School, to returning back home to teach at her alma mater for the past 22 years, and now receiving the white gown at graduation—it is frankly a full circle moment.
This has now become deeply personal for Mrs. Zianio. As a former student who walked the very same halls and sat in the same classrooms, Mrs. Zianio represents what giving back to a community that shaped you really is. Receiving that white gown is about her heart, dedication, and legacy at Ludlow High School. It’s not just full circle. It’s deeply deserved.
I am lucky enough to have witnessed all of Mrs. Zianios’ care this past year as a student in her classroom. She works hard to not only teach, but also understand her students in a meaningful way. I understand why the class of 2025 chose her to receive the white gown this year, she really is a special teacher and person to many students. After watching her pour all her energy into what she does at LHS—it’s easy to understand why she was chosen.