English Hall of Fame Banquet Evoked Great Memories

The Lynn English School Hall of Fame banquet was a first-class event from start to finish that spoke highly of both the organizers and those who were honored with induction.

What we enjoy about the English Hall of Fame is that its honorees are recognized for accomplishments that span the full gamut of the English experience and are not limited to athletics.

Yes, it was great to see a superb athlete like Dick Newton, assistant athletic director at the school, honored for his majestic baseball career that saw him win a remarkable 23 games in a row as a pitcher and helped the Bulldogs win a state championship.

How heartwarming it was to see Newton reuniting with his former coach and fellow inductee Ron Bennett, a legendary figure in Lynn basketball and baseball annals.

There was also much-deserved recognition for City Council president and attorney Tim Phelan, a Class of 1980 graduate who participated in the cross country, track, and basketball programs at English.  We agree with the biography in the souvenir program that read, “John Timothy Phelan epitomizes the values and character of Lynn English and his leadership, dedication, and concern for his community make him truly deserving of selection to the LEHS Hall of Fame.

Dr. Joseph Wescott, a three-year athlete and Eagle Scout, was recognized career in the field of dentistry and for being a true “son of Lynn.”

Our outstanding educators, Dr. Miriam Morse, Francie Avadanian Sudak, developer of the Lynn Family Network, Edward Turmenne, and Donald Twomey, have enhanced the lives of so many students in their careers.

Michael Sullivan, who was sports editor of the English yearbook and played three sports himself, went on to attend Tufts University and is now the director of the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

And it was a particularly special moment for those of us who have covered the Lynn sports scene and chronicled the achievements of the Conlon children in the Lynn English swimming program to see the Conlon family, led by former Lynn Tech principal Bart Conlon and his wife, Diane Conlon, inducted into the Hall of Fame. We agree with the selection committee’s summation that Bart and Diane Conlon and their four intelligent, personable, and humble children “have demonstrated how one family can positively impact an entire community and leave a legacy of courage and strength.”

Congratulations to presenters, principal Thomas Strangie, and vice principals Jennifer Mancaniello, Joseph O’Hagan, and John Pavia and the Hall of Fame Committee on this wonderful event that has alumni look forward to every two years.

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