Breed National Junior Honor Society recognizes former principal with award

LYNN – Former Breed Middle School Principal James Ridley was given the “Outstanding Community Service Award” by the National Junior Honor Society earlier this month at the organization’s annual induction ceremony held at the middle school.Ridley left Breed earlier this year after Superintendent of Schools Nicholas Kostan selected him to take over for Brian Coughlin as director of the Lynn Vocational and Technical Institute, but Ridley returned to his old school to host the induction ceremony, which featured several of his former students.NJHS advisors Joan Wiendczak and Maria P. Fenn presented Ridley with the award, and praised the former principal for his dedication to students and their success.”Mr. Ridley’s achievements and his work with youth exemplify the dynamic process of teaching, learning and striving for excellence,” said Wiendczak. “All of these are characteristics of Breed Middle School.”In addition to the Community Service Award, New Breed Principal Fred Dupuis presented Ridley with a portrait, which will hang in the lecture hall next to the portraits of the school’s past principals. Ridley’s profile will adorn the room alongside Superintendent Nicholas Kostan and Classical Principal Warren White, who preceded Ridley as principal.