Paul Amaral is a familiar sight around the city.

East Providence High School's Athletic Director grew up here. He played football, baseball, and ran track at the high school, graduating in 1978.

He went on to attend Norwich University, where he played football. After graduation, he wanted to teach physical education, but said it was initially hard to get a job.

So he joined the Peace Corps and went to Guatemala from 1986 to 1988, where he developed a community sports program in rural schools. 

Through playing volleyball there, he also met his future wife, Gloria. Amaral returned to East Providence High School to teach health in 1990. And the couple have three daughters and a son who have played sports in the city school system.

In 2006, Amaral was promoted to athletic director. What he likes most about the job is the variety of skills it requires: from working with parents and the public, to supervising East Providence's teams and their facilities, to working with the program's budget. 

To honor the school's athletes, East Providence High School is hosting an awards night Thursday night at the school, beginning at 5:30 p.m.