ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
From left, Robert Tucker, president of the Friends of Lynn & Nahant Beach, Aborn Elementary School fourth-graders Elibette Rodriguez, Christopher Runyon and Anthony Roper and Aborn School Principal Patricia Muxie with a check for marine science programs that will be given to the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant. The Brickett, Harrington and Hood elementary schools in Lynn are also benefiting from this money.
BY THOR JOURGENSEN
LYNN — The Friends of Lynn & Nahant Beach are bringing the ocean to Aborn School students and peers in three other schools with $4,000 the organization raised and awarded to the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant.
The announcement more than doubles the financial support the Friends have provided to the Marine Science Center since 2014. Other Lynn schools selected for assistance are Brickett, Harrington and Hood schools, which are those closest to the ocean.
“Educating the next generation about the importance of the ocean and our beaches is a priority for us,” said Friends’ President Robert Tucker. “The Friends are committed to working with groups like Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center to help Lynn kids appreciate the jewel at our shores.”
The Friends of Lynn &Nahant Beach is a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 to improve the Lynn Shores and Nahant Beach state reservations.
“We are so pleased to have the support of the Friends,” said Marine Science Center Outreach Program Coordinator Carole McCauley. “This grant will allow us to enhance environmental literacy in Lynn elementary schools by providing hands-on marine education activities that help students understand and appreciate the local environment.
School Superintendent Catherine Latham praised Friends of Lynn & Nahant Beach for supporting local schools.
“This generous grant will provide an opportunity for elementary school students to learn more about the ocean, a natural resource in their own community,” Latham said.
McCauley said the Friends’ support will help the Science Center “address our mutual goals of promoting environmental stewardship in our local community, as well as supporting Lynn Public Schools’ efforts to provide meaningful STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) enrichment at all levels.”
The Friends have partnered with residents, elected officials and the state parks on Lynn & Nahant beach-related projects, as well as other educational activities in the Lynn public schools. Visit www.lynn-nahantbeach.org for more information.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected].