Devin was accepting his honor as one of the 17 new inductees into the Lynn Classical High School Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony May 1 at the Nahant Country Club.

Devin’s legacy at Classical spans five decades, from his high school career as a three-sport athlete, starring at shortstop for the 1981 NEC champion baseball team, to his outstanding leadership as Classical’s director of athletics.

Devin went on to excel athletically and academically at North Adams State College, play professional baseball in Italy, and earn a spot in the NSBL Hall of Fame, but this night was all about his two families, Lynn Classical and the amazing Devins.

“Thank you, Dr. [Dan] Dill and the Lynn Classical High School Selection Committee for this tremendous honor tonight,” Devin began graciously. “And a special thanks to my mom, Eileen, and my dad, Billy Devin Sr., for sending me to Lynn Classical High School where I had awesome teachers like Mr. Wormstead for English, Mr. Tarmey for accounting, Mrs. Goguen for typing, and my favorite, my guidance counselor, Bobby Witcher, who shared my passion for baseball.”

Devin then told the large gathering, “I’m most proud of the fact that I spent 30 years teaching and coaching in my hometown of Lynn.”

“Jerry Waldron and Warren White believed in me, and got me my start in teaching, while guys like Jimmy Ridley, Jimmy Dakin, Andy Fila, Jimmy Tgettis, and Joe Caponigro guided me in my coaching career,” said Devin, while also crediting his predecessor as athletic director, Dick Ruth.

He also thanked Classical principals Warren White, Gene Constantino, and Amy Dunn (who currently holds that position) “who valued the importance of educational athletics,” and three assistant athletic directors, “Thank you, Chris Warren, Timmy Phelps, and my classmate Cathy Ellis.”

Devin expressed the importance of having his family’s complete and unwavering support as he dedicated his professional career to education and athletics.

“My family is everything to me,” said Devin. “They are my foundation. My wife, Lynne, is an absolute saint and an absolute rock. My four boys (Kyle, Brandon, Sean, and Matthew, all outstanding athletes themselves) all attended Lynn Classical when I worked there.”

“It was a blessing but a lot of times it was a curse – right, boys? Mr. Constantino and Ms. Dunn can attest to that,” he jested.

“My daughter, Jocelyn, is an angel who loves hockey, softball, and crocheting,” said Devin, while also expressing his gratitude to other members of the Devin family.

Devin concluded his remarks the way he concluded his voice message at Classical, “As always, go Rams!.”

Just as Hall of Fame Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy LaSorda would always say, “I bleed Dodger blue,” William “Billy” Devin Jr. will forever have Classical green and gold in his heart and body.

Brianna Galeazzi accepts

on behalf of her sister, Franki

Briana Galeazzi, Class of 2008, accepted the Hall of Fame induction award on behalf of her sister, the late Francesca “Franki” Galeazzi, whom Dr. Dill proclaimed as “one of the greatest female athletes – if not the greatest – in the history of the school and the City of Lynn.”

“Franki was the best of the best,” added Dill about Franki, a three-sport NEC All-Star in soccer, basketball, and softball and president of the National Honor Society.

“It is a privilege to accept this Hall of Fame recognition on behalf of my younger sister, Francesca “Franki” Galeazzi,” said Briana, thanking our “Ciocia,” Felicia Rooney, for Franki’s nomination.

“Franki brought unmatched skill, passion, and heart to the field, court, and diamond, and she truly embodied dedication, resilience, and a passion for education, sports, and giving back.”

Briana warmly thanked Franki’s coaches, “who played an important role in her athletic experience,” including softball coaches Chris Warren and Lauren Phelps, basketball coach Tom Sawyer, soccer coach Gina Grassa, and Lynn youth soccer coaches Tim Phelan and Alberto Lozano, also “guidance counselor Shanna Duprey, “who was instrumental behind the scenes.”

“Please note that each of you made a lasting impact on her life and helped shape the person she became,” said Briana. “Thank you all for helping us to continue to celebrate Franki’s life and legacy. We are so proud to her tonight. And Go, Rams!”

The Hall of Fame banquet was a terrific event, and much credit must go to Dr. Dill, Principal Amy Dunn, Alumni Association President Gene Constantino, and the other members of the Selection Committee, Athletic Director Josh Mower, Assistant Athletic Director Cathy Ellis, and Vice Principals Christopher Warren and Dennis Thompson, for maintaining this valuable tradition and alumni connection at Lynn Classical.

LHSF President Victoria Rivera said in an inspiring message to the scholarship recipients, families, and supporters:

“Our 35th Annual Scholarship Reception is an opportunity to celebrate the up and coming leaders of our community. The 2026 LHSF Scholars represent the best of our Latino youth. These 15 youths are aspiring engineers, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, political scientists, and psychologists. This year’s scholarship recipients are an impressive group that we are proud to join the ranks of Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholars.”

Laura M. Luna, a bilingual clinical and school psychologist and graduate of Tufts University, and Stewart Herrera, a dance instructor and choreographer, served as masters of ceremonies.

Cardeliz Paez, Ward 5 councilor and a 2017 Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, delivered the keynote address.

LHSF Vice President Brenda Ortiz McGrath, a member of the Lynn School Committee, and a nationally recognized leader in urban public education, illuminated on the organization’s vital mission.

“At the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund, our mission is rooted in expanding access to higher education and creating pathways to opportunity,” said Ortiz McGrath. “The Scholarship Reception celebrates not only academic achievement, but also the resilience, leadership, and potential of students who will shape the future of our community.”

Supt. of Schools Molly Cohen led a slate of dignitaries in attendance. Cohen personally congratulated the scholarship recipients and wished them continued success in their collegiate careers.

From first walking through the doors at the Lincoln Thompson School at the age of 5 to now wrapping up his three years of education (Grades 6-8) at Breed, Jayden has compiled a perfect attendance record. 

In an interview at the school in coordination with popular guidance counselor, Leah Warren, Jayden, son of Chelsie Benson and the late Darren Young, was asked about his 100 percent attendance achievement.

“I eat a lot of rice and chicken and three meals a day,” replied Jayden to a question about his daily regimen. “My mother makes sure I’m up early and ready for school. I owe it to her for never being late. She’s always telling me how important school is and to work hard each day.”

Jayden said the teachers at Breed do a great job inspiring their students to excel in all subjects and to be present every day.

“We have an excellent school, and I have received a great education here,” said Jayden, while naming Ms. Julie DeFranco as one of his favorite teachers and Marianne Duncan (Grade 8) and Wendy Waldron (Grades 6-7) as two of his favorite guidance counselors. “The teachers really try to help you learn each day. There is such a positive environment here. I am going to miss this school.”

Leah Warren said Jayden sets an excellent example with his attendance and upbeat attitude.

“I’m so proud of Jayden,” said Mrs. Warren. “His record is really incredible, because one of the district’s main initiatives is attendance, and if we could model everyone after him, it would make our job easy.”

An honor roll student, Jayden will graduate from Breed later this month. He will be attending Lynn Classical High School as an incoming freshman in the Class of 2030.

“I want to play football and basketball at Classical,” said Jayden, who is a member of the Breed basketball team and also plays for the North Shore Sports Academy AAU contingent. “My goal is to go to college after I graduate.”

It’s clear that Jayden is an outstanding young man with a plan.

(Editor’s Note: The COVID- 19 pandemic closed Lynn schools in March, 2020, resulting in an extended period of remote learning for all students).

Mrs. Rowe’s daughter, Kay Rowe delivered a beautiful eulogy at the funeral Mass on May 23 at Sacred Heart Church.

“She always said, practice what you preach, have patience with all things in life, if it’s meant to be it will be. Just give things and people time. Tomorrow is a new day, start fresh,” Kay told the large assemblage at the church.

“And everything can be fixed with Plan B,” said Kay. “That was one of her favorites. You come to her for advice, and she’d say, ‘Plan B, we’ll figure it out, we’ll make it work. No matter what, things will work out.’”

“She was a true Lynner, born and raised,” said Kay. “She was committed to this community in every possible way. But the thing she was dedicated to the most was her family. She went above and beyond to ease our pain, give us the best experiences, teach us right from wrong, and that family always comes first.”

Kay Rowe said her mother truly lived by the golden rule, “Treat everyone the way she wanted to be treated.”

“I’m thankful these past days that not only did we mourn the loss of Mom, we celebrated her in the most beautiful way, and she deserved that,” concluded Kay, calling the tribute, “a celebration of life for the most beautiful, kind, funny, caring woman that we all know. I love you, Mom.”

Mayor Jared Nicholson, City Council President Coco Alinsug, and former Lynn Mayor Tom McGee were among the many dignitaries in attendance at the church. Many members of the Lynn Knights of Columbus also attended the mass. West Lynn State Rep. Sean Reid joined other members of the Lynn delegation in honoring Mrs. Rowe with his presence at her memorial observance at Solimine Funeral Home.

“Just one conversation with Janet and you feel her warmth, humor, and kindness,” said Rep. Reid. “In Lynn’s long history, few people have given as much time, energy, commitment and passion to our community as her.”

The 2026 festival will feature a diverse lineup of local and regional talent spanning multiple genres. Organizers promise a wide array of musical styles, including jazz, hip-hop, folk, and rock, to showcase both established and emerging artists from Lynn and the surrounding communities. 

Beyond Walls LIVE! Fundraiser

Support the next generation of local artists at the Beyond Walls LIVE! fundraiser on Saturday, June 7. The evening begins at 5 p.m. at the Beyond Walls Studio (18 Mt. Vernon St.) with welcome drinks, light appetizers, and a guided mural tour. Following the tour, the event transitions to the Lynn Museum for a reception from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring live music by Village Revival, live painting, and an art auction. Tickets are $50 and include event entry, food, and two drink tickets. All proceeds support the organization’s “Classroom to the Streets” public art education program.

M.E.S.A. Virtual History Lecture

The Lynn Museum & Arts Center’s Museum Enrichment Series for All (M.E.S.A.) will host a free virtual lecture on Wednesday, June 10, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Ashley Theilacker, an M.A. Public History student at Northeastern University and research fellow for the “Vessels of Slavery: Forget Me Not” exhibition, will share her research findings on the stories of enslaved people who lived in the greater Lynn area. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lynn Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council.

Sacred Pouch Making Workshop

Learn the basic art of quilt making at a free Sacred Pouch Making Workshop on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lynn Museum (590 Washington Street). Hosted by Christle Rawlins-Jackson and Susi Ryan of Sisters In Stitches Joined By The Cloth, attendees will create a special pouch for treasured objects and are welcome to bring a small personal item to place inside. The event is free, open to all ages, and requires no prior sewing experience. While there, visitors are encouraged to view the facilitators’ work in the “Vessels of Slavery: Forget Me Not” exhibition in the first-floor galleries. The museum will also offer free general admission that day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lynn Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

2026 Greater Lynn State of the Region Breakfast Forum

The Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 Greater Lynn State of the Region Breakfast Forum on Wednesday, June 10, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Lynn Public Schools Welcome Center, located at 2 State Street. Tickets are $40. Join Mayor Jared Nicholson and other North Shore municipal leaders as they discuss upcoming regional projects and priorities.  

10th Annual North Shore Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate freedom and community resilience at the 10th Annual North Shore Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lynn Common (111 North Common St.). This free, family-friendly event will feature performances of dance, song, and spoken word, alongside opportunities to shop with BIPOC vendors. Complimentary soul food catered by A Taste of Mae will be available to the community on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Glow Up Week Clean-ups

The City of Lynn is hosting “Glow Up Week” from June 21 to 27 to refresh local streets, parks, and neighborhoods. Residents and community organizations are encouraged to collect litter and remove waste anywhere from their favorite local parks to the sidewalks outside their own front doors.

As part of the initiative, a targeted Community Clean-Up event will take place on Friday, June 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Lynn Common. Volunteers should meet at the fountain to gather cleaning supplies. Participants are also invited to email photos of their hard work to Valerie.Vong@lynnma.gov to be highlighted on the City’s official social media channels.

Rainbow Revolutionaries Tours Return

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s new, first of its kind official Freedom Trail tour entitled Rainbow Revolutionaries will return to Boston’s streets this Saturday, June 6 at 10:45 a.m. The tours will run throughout the month of June on Saturdays and Sundays, and on select Saturdays in July and August.

The tours illuminate the lives, loves, and fights for liberty of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community, while exploring how queer individuals have been making history for centuries. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, the tours will travel along the Freedom Trail and visit seven places featuring Boston’s LGBTQ+ history, including official Freedom Trail historic sites as well as sites just steps off the Trail. Rainbow Revolutionaries will uncover the history of Boston Marriages, political milestones for LGBTQ+ rights, and the storied romances of some of Boston’s most famous individuals, from literary giants to a world-renowned actress, and even a Revolutionary war hero. Tour goers are invited to join in to bring this history to life and celebrate Pride by discovering the achievements of the queer people who have always been a part of and have helped shape Boston.

These special tours will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays throughout June, and Saturdays July 11 and August 8, departing at 10:45 a.m. Freedom Trail Foundation walking tours are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors/students, and $8 for children, and include a $1 donation to the Freedom Trail Foundation’s Preservation Fund. Tickets may be purchased at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center and online at TheFreedomTrail.org.

Neighborhealth 5K run/walk this weekend

On Saturday, June 6, NeighborHealth will host its 14th Annual Let’s Get Movin’ New Balance Foundation 5K for Fitness at Memorial Park (250 Sumner St.,) in East Boston. Beginning at 10 a.m., the event is expected to draw more than 600 participants from across Greater Boston and will feature a 5K run/walk, community health resource fair, healthy living activities, and an awards ceremony recognizing top runners.

The event highlights NeighborHealth’s ongoing efforts to promote health, wellness, and physical activity while connecting residents with valuable community resources.

DCR is Growing Wild for Pollinators: Free Native Plant Kits Available

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) are currently distributing free native plant materials to help residents create habitats for pollinators across the state. The program kicked off with a launch event on Friday, May 29, at Mahoney’s Garden Center in Winchester. 

Now entering its sixth season, the “Growing Wild” campaign provides a simple way for residents to strengthen local biodiversity. Up to 75% of all flowering plants and 35% of the plants that we eat rely on insects like bees and butterflies to move pollen and reproduce. Unfortunately, these vital pollinators are currently facing severe threats from habitat loss, the spread of invasive species, pesticide use, and climate change. 

By planting native species, gardeners can provide essential food and shelter for these local insects, as well as birds and small mammals. Because native plants are uniquely adapted to Massachusetts’ specific climate, they can better endure local challenges like droughts or heavy rain. They also require less water and fossil fuels for maintenance, helping to increase stormwater absorption and improve overall air quality.

This season, the program is distributing free pollinator starter kits at 21 participating nurseries and six DCR parks across the state. Each kit contains:

• Two one-gallon native perennial plants

• Native seed packets

• Seed germination kits with native wildflower seeds 

• Educational resources on pollinator-friendly gardening

• A Growing Wild Massachusetts sticker

Gardeners of all experience levels are encouraged to participate and can take the extra step of registering their new native plantings on the Massachusetts Pollinator Map to join a statewide network of eco-friendly landscapes.

Kits are available while supplies last at the following upcoming DCR park events:

• Middlesex Fells Reservation (Flynn Rink), Medford: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Lawrence Heritage State Park (Riverfront Park), Lawrence: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Waquoit Bay, East Falmouth: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Blackstone River Greenway (Worcester Visitor Center), Worcester: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Holyoke Heritage State Park, Holyoke: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Clarksburg State Park, Clarksburg: Sunday, June 21, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

A full list of participating nursery locations is available on the DCR website.

Graduation is a bittersweet occasion, marking both an ending and a beginning. For the grads, they will realize that the past four years, which they began as adolescents, are now culminating as they step into adulthood. They will be saying goodbye to their friends, teachers, and mentors who guided them through their formative high school years.

For every parent, watching a son or daughter stride across the stage as their name is called to receive their diploma will bring a flood of emotions, pride, and nostalgia. The sentiments expressed in the song, Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof, often come to mind:

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don’t remember growing older
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn’t it yesterday when they were small?

Even those without a direct connection to a graduate will smile at the sight of brightly-colored balloons and other festive decorations marking graduation parties in our neighborhoods. We will recall our own high school graduations and think about the happiness and expectations that filled our hearts and minds at that stage of our lives.

Today’s graduates will be tomorrow’s leaders who soon will be shaping our future. We will be counting upon them to make the world a better place. Let’s hope that we have supplied them with the tools they need to ensure that they can meet the challenges we are facing today and in the years ahead, both for the sake of their own generation and of those before and after.

We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their families, wishing them sunshine and blue skies not only on their Graduation Day, but in the years ahead.

Deja vu all over again with Iran

For those of us who were around during the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran from late 1979 to early 1981, the present situation involving the closing of the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian government is deja vu all over again.

Both crises illustrate the two strengths of the Iranian regime: They excel at taking hostages and they know how to play the long game. In 1979, the Iranians seized and held 54 members of the U.S. Embassy, while today they are blocking the passage through the strait of hundreds of ships, wreaking havoc on the world economy.

Just as the administration of then-President Jimmy Carter made a series of miscalculations that underestimated the fanatical Iranian government, so too has the present U.S. administration failed to realize that the Iranians play by their own rules and on their own timetable.

The hostage crisis that undermined the Carter presidency lasted for 444 days, with the Iranians releasing the hostages only upon the swearing-in of President Ronald Reagan after Carter signed the Algiers Accords (which made a number of concessions to Iran) on his last day in office. The Iranians had simply wanted to humiliate Jimmy Carter up until the last day of his presidency.

The current conflict with Iran now is approaching 100 days with no end in sight. The disruption to the world economy and the rising rate of inflation in our country caused by the closing of the strait have served to underscore that this so-called war — which has not accomplished any of its supposed objectives (regime change? eliminating Iran’s nuclear bomb capabilities? destroying Iran’s missile and drone weapons? convincing Iran to support its proxies?) — was a fool’s mission undertaken by those who failed to learn the lessons of 45 years ago.

As the oft-quoted philosopher George Santayana put it: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Bob Hartshorn, Susan Uleroskas, Mary Ellen Kelloway, Matt O’Donnell, Kathy Harrell, and Dennis Harrell led the contingent that helped construct new beds for local children in need.

The project is part of the “A Bed For Every Child” initiative under the direction of the Massachusetts Coaltion for the Homeless, which is based in Lynn.

Standing 45 feet, the soccer ball will attempt to officially break the current Guinness World Records mark of 38 feet, 11.8 inches, making it the largest soccer ball ever displayed. The last record was set in Doha, Qatar in 2013. The installation will remain at Piers Park II for a full week, giving residents and visitors from across the region the opportunity to experience the display while exploring East Boston’s waterfront.

“We’re proud to welcome the world to Boston as Massachusetts prepares to host the FIFA World Cup matches and showcase the unique attractions and welcoming communities that make our state such a special place to visit,” said Rich Davey, Massport CEO. “Bringing this iconic display to East Boston gives people the opportunity to come together, enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant waterfront and skyline views, and share in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup.”

In addition to the weeklong display, Massport will host a community celebration at Piers Park II on Saturday, June 13, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring family activities, games, and entertainment. World Cup matches will not be televised.

The soccer ball showcase and community event are presented by Massport in partnership with HNTB and other sponsors.

“HNTB is thrilled to partner with Massport on this one-of-a-kind attempt to create the world’s largest soccer ball in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup,” said Paul Godfrey, HNTB Vice President and Massachusetts Office Leader. “Together, we’re not only celebrating the global spirit of the game, but also creating an unforgettable community moment—kicking off World Cup excitement while setting a world record at the same time.”

Events Timeline

Guinness World Records World’s Largest Soccer Ball Attempt Display

Piers Park II, East Boston

Weeklong public display

June 12– 18

Celebrated with a ceremonial First Putt event, the new course opened with a ribbon cutting by sword before civic leaders took the first putt. The newly designed course offers a fresh summer activity on Boston Harbor while inviting players to experience the city’s Revolutionary history in one of its most historic waterfront settings. Created especially for the 2026 season, the course combines play, place-based storytelling, and public access at a moment when Boston is looking ahead to America250.

Set beside the USS Constitution Museum, the course offers families, neighbors, and visitors an outdoor activity that is both entertaining and meaningful. As players move through the course, they encounter moments inspired by Boston Harbor’s central role in the Revolution, from protest and conflict to a broader path toward independence.  

As Boston looks ahead to America250, the course provides a timely and accessible way to celebrate the city’s role in the course of independence while offering a free activity in one of its most historic and scenic settings. USS Constitution Mini Golf is made possible with the generous support of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. 

“At its heart, this is about access,” said Jeff Draeger, President & CEO of the USS Constitution Museum. “We wanted to create something free, fun, and engaging for the public, while also connecting people to this extraordinary place and to Boston’s role in the story of American independence. It is a summer experience that reflects the Museum’s mission in a fresh and engaging way.”

“USS Constitution Mini Golf is a creative and welcoming way to bring Massachusetts history to life during this celebratory year,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “Experiences like this help visitors and residents connect with Boston Harbor and the stories that shaped America, while highlighting the history, culture, and sense of discovery that make destinations across Massachusetts so special and engaging for all ages.”

The launch event brought together civic and community leaders, including Representative Daniel Ryan, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Kate Fox, and CAPT (sel) Crystal L. Schaefer, Commanding Officer of USS Constitution.

“I want to thank the USS Constitution Museum for creating this exciting and inclusive new program for families in our neighborhood and throughout the region. Mini golf is fun for people of all ages and will bring even more people together to see the Museum’s award-winning exhibitions and programs,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico.

Representative Daniel Ryan added, “This is a fun and exciting way to kick-off the summer season. Families can enjoy their time together putting around while learning some of our illustrious Naval History here at the USS Constitution Museum. I thank Commander Schaefer for taking time out of her duties to help us get the season underway.”

Their presence underscored the broad community support for a new free, public activity that combines fun with learning and offers a fresh way to connect residents and visitors to Boston’s historic role in the Revolution.

USS Constitution Mini Golf is made possible with the generous support of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, whose partnership has helped make this accessible public experience available for a third year, with an entirely new course debuting for 2026.

The course is now open to the public in the Charlestown Navy Yard, inviting all to grab a putter and join the Revolution. 

For more information, visit usscm.org/events/minigolf/

The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution, America’s Ship of State, also known as “Old Ironsides.” Through award-winning exhibitions and programs, the Museum engages more than 300,000 visitors annually with the people, stories, and ideals that have shaped our nation. Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the Museum is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of members and donors. Learn more at usscm.org/

After putting Lynn Tech on the map with a state title and an impressive streak of conference titles, Avery is now leading the Lynn Classical boys basketball team to considerable success.

This year’s Rams made it two Greater Boston League titles in a row – in rather dramatic fashion. Senior Shyheim (Shy) Babb, the eventual Greater Boston League MVP, connected on a three-pointer with seven seconds left to defeat Chelsea, 67-65, for the crown.

Avery didn’t extol his own achievements at the banquet. As he always does, he put the spotlight on his players, offering laudatory tributes to his seniors, such as Shy Babb.

“He came to me as a sophomore and he said to me, ‘How come I’m not on the varsity?’ I said, I have to develop you first to be on the varsity. I know what it takes to be a basketball player. I know what it takes to sit a kid. I know what it takes to be disciplined, and I know what hard work’s all about.”

“Shy Babb is the GBL MVP, Boston Globe All-Scholastic, Harry Agganis All-Star, one of the best shot blockers in the state,” continued Avery. “He got an opportunity to play basketball, and he made the most of it. And I’m going to make sure he lands somewhere, because that’s part of my job as a coach. I guide my students through the college admissions process. It doesn’t matter what school you go to, but do get the degree.”

Coach Avery also congratulated seniors Kameron Rucker, Deshawn Rucker, and DJ Reynolds on their outstanding contributions to the program and their exemplary work off the court.

Avery also expressed his gratitude to Director of Athletics Josh Mower and Principal Amy Dunn for their guidance and support of the team.

Meanwhile, Marvin’s well-known son, Ward 7 City Councilor Jordan Avery, affirmed his father’s status as a patriarch of Lynn basketball in his opening remarks at the banquet.

“First off, I want to congratulate the entire Lynn Classical High School boys basketball program on an incredible season and on bringing home the GBL Championship,” said Jordan. “That is something nobody can ever take away from you. Championships are earned through hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and trust in one another and this team showed all of that throughout the season.

“To the seniors, congratulations. Tonight is about celebrating everything you’ve accomplished, not only as basketball players, but as young men. The next chapter of your lives is beginning, whether that’s college, work, athletics, or whatever path you choose. Continue to work hard, stay humble, and represent Lynn Classical with pride everywhere you go.

“And I also want to say this to the seniors… congratulations on surviving four years of Coach Avery! I’ve dealt with Coach Avery for 32 years… so trust me, I know exactly what you’ve been through! But in all seriousness, coaches like him push you because they care. They want the best out of you both on and off the court, and years from now you’ll appreciate those lessons even more.

“And finally, a huge thank you to the booster parents, families, and supporters. Student-athletes are only able to succeed because of the sacrifices made behind the scenes the rides to practices and games, the long nights, the support in the stands, the fundraising, and the constant encouragement. This season belonged to all of you, too.

“Congratulations again to the entire program on an outstanding year. Enjoy tonight, celebrate this accomplishment, and once again — congratulations to the Class of 2026 seniors. The future is bright. Go Rams!” concluded Jordan.

Well said, Jordan. Congratulations to Coach Avery, his longtime and loyal assistant, Rich Warren, and the 2025-26 team on a special season – a GBL title and a trip to the Massachusetts Final Four.