Lynn is a storied community. A lot has obviously changed in more than two centuries. Cars now line the roads formerly used by horses. Electricity, not candlelight, gives light to our homes. And, similar to the last century, families have moved to Lynn seeking opportunities for their children.
There are many aspects of the Lynn spirit and culture that we remain proud of, which several leaders of our education, business, and nonprofit communities were reminded of during our October 24 STEM Day in Lynn.
This recent STEM day event advanced the curiosity about STEM education and business careers for all Lynn students. The fact that schools, nonprofits, the chamber of commerce, and several interested citizens, all came together to create this special day for Lynn students represents the prototypical Lynn spirit.
In addition to the STEM day event, these education partners launched a community rowing club; collaborated on state funding formulas; and are sharing new building designs to maximize facilities use for all Lynn students. The list goes on.
But, more important than any one project is why we believe in this spirit of the Lynn community. We understand that this spirit is not unique to Lynn. Communities across the North Shore join hands to lift up each other in times of strife and hardship. However, we would contend that the spirit of love and kindness is so deeply ingrained in the core of Lynn, that the heartbeat of this community would cease without it.
Organizations that appear to be competitors have joined together to prove that the spirit of collaboration takes precedence.
To love Lynn doesn’t mean to ignore its challenges. To love Lynn means to love it enough to want to overcome them. It means to never be satisfied with “good enough.”
As we continue to collaborate to create opportunities for Lynn students, let’s celebrate what we are proud of: our kindness and compassion for each other. And, for those problems that may seem insurmountable for our Lynn community to face, let’s work together as fellow Lynners to make this community ever better and ever stronger.
Let’s do it together. And let’s do it for our children.
Joel Abramson, Lynn English Hall of Fame
David Angeramo, St. Mary’s Lynn
Deborah Ansourlian, Girls Inc. of Lynn
Andrea Baez, Lynn YMCA
Elizabeth Blodgett-Smith, Project volunteer
Kevin Colcord, Education District consultant
Birgitta Damon, LEO, Inc.
Caleb Dolan, KIPP Academy Charter
John F. Dolan, St. Mary’s Lynn
Gail Gasparich, Salem State University
Patricia Gentile, North Shore Community College
Colin Codner, Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce
Katie Greene, Boys & Girls Club of Lynn
Kit Jenkins, RAW Art Works
Laurie Kennedy, KIPP Academy Charter
Laura Rubin, North Shore Community College
Carolina Trujillo, Essex Media Group
Patrick Tutwiler, Lynn Public Schools
Kathleen Walsh, Metro North YMCA