Rotary Club Recognizes Eighth Grade Students
THANK YOU RIVERWORKS CREDIT UNION SPONSOR
On January 30, 2025 the Rotary Club of Lynn continued with its tradition, started in 2008, of recognizing 8th grade students from Lynn Middle Schools. These are students who have struggled with some adversity during the school year, or have shown empathy toward others in an outstanding way.
The students honored were:
Aiden Crowell, Pickering; Leana Martin, LVTI; Niydah Lao, Thurgood Marshall; Anastasia Butova, St. Mary’s; Humberto Marcano, Breed; Andrew Gandra, No. Shore Christian School;
Samarah Wilkie, St. Pius V; and Aly Kheal-Phanna.
The students are nominated by their teacher or guidance counselor, someone who knows the student very well. The students are invited to a luncheon meeting of the members, and are individually presented with: a gift certificate to a local book store; Certificate of Achievement;
River Works Credit Union is the program sponsor.
During the individual presentations a narrative was read by various Rotarians: John Dolan, St. Mary’s Head of Schools; Irene Cowdell, retired Lynn Teacher, Cindy McCarthy, retired St. Pius V teacher; and Claire Price LVTI teacher. They enumerated the various situations the students struggled with and how they were overcome. Prior to the presentation Raymond Bastarache, former past Club President and former Deputy Superintendent of Schools, indicated the importance of this program.
He said: “one can tell how valued this program is to the City of Lynn by the people in attendance”, Police Chief Chris Reddy, Deputy Superintendents of Schools, Maricel Goris and
John Dolan, St. Mary’s Head of Schools.
The Eighth Grade Recognition Program was the brainchild of Rotarían and Lynn businessman Joe Coombs who always felt that the eighth grade was a turning point in his life. He acknowledges how “lost” he felt during those middle-school years and, were it not for a compassionate teacher who took him aside and supported him; he doubts he would’ve been as successful as he was as an adult. Coombs’ success was derived from the positive reinforcement and support he received in middle school so he petitioned his fellow Rotarians to adopt the program.
Since its inception it is safe to say that well over 500 students have been recognized by the Lynn Rotary Club.
Left-to-right, Seated: Samarah Wilkie, Andrew Gandra, Humberto Marcano, Aly Kheal-Phanna. Standing: Maricel Goris, Irene Cowdell, Aiden Crowell, Leana Martin, Anastasia Butova. Not present, but honored, Niydah Lao, Thurgood Marshall.
As we step into a new Rotary year, our focus remains clear: to deepen member engagement, expand our fundraising efforts, and do meaningful good in our community. Each of you brings a unique gift, and it is my goal to listen, learn, and help you use your talents to make a lasting impact. 
Lynn, MA 01905
United States of America