Honoring alumni reinforces importance of excellent schools
Last night’s Distinguished Alumni event at Lowell High School, like the previous four, exceeded expectations in impressing me with the range of talent, philanthropic spirit, and innovation of our graduates. Current students were also exceptional as food preparers and servers from the culinary arts program, musicians, singers, ROTC students, and speakers introducing the honorees. (For a complete list of current and previous notable alumni chosen for the honor, check Dick’s blog.) All the speeches since the program began in 2004 have resonated with me because they articulate aspects of what makes Lowell schools unique—the diversity and creativity of our students, the spirit of cooperation and giving back to our communities, and the very basic and important belief that we are masters of our own destinies. Last night was no exception. I was touched, in particular, by William Sullivan, who founded the Patriots and co-founded the Jimmy Fund, because my own son, a sophomore at LHS, is a rabid New England football fan (along with his dad) as well as a current patient at the clinic. Both my kids already think LHS is the coolest high school ever and can’t wait to count themselves alumni. But when I got home last night and relayed the latest accomplishments in a long list of notables from LHS, they were, like me, awed to think they will be part of that legacy. Recognizing the accomplishments of our alumni is important, not only as a means to raise vital scholarships for future graduates, but as a way to inspire current students, and reinforce to teachers, staff, and the community what a vital role a good education plays in our collective future.