LEHS unveils new trophy case

LYNN-There are a lot of trophies featured throughout the grounds of Lynn English High School.Lining the upper level of the school library and adorning shelves in Principal Andrew Fila’s Office are decades worth of athletic and academic accolades earned by generations of Lynners.Until now those trophies have been placed wherever Fila or his staff could find room, but the addition of a new trophy case outside the school’s field house will provide a better, centrally located showcase and give fans and opposing teams a look at some of the school’s most impressive victories.The $5,000 trophy case was built with money donated by Bob Gaudet, a 1967 LEHS graduate and local business owner, and built by LEHS graduate and football standout Edward Toner.Gaudet was on hand to see his new trophy case Tuesday morning, fighting through the crowds of voters using the high school as a polling place for the national election.Gaudet, who owns the Porthole Pub on the Lynnway, was inspired to donate money to his alma matter after hearing Superintendent Nicholas Kostan speak at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast this summer.In his speech Kostan addressed the importance of public and private partnership in the city, especially for a school department that is struggling to keep up in difficult financial times, something he touched on again Tuesday.”It is great to see alumni giving back to the school,” said Kostan. “Bob has done a lot for English High School as a supporter, as an alumnus and as a local business owner.”Gaudet is well known both for his 40-plus years as the owner of the Porthole and for his many philanthropic efforts throughout the city. Along with his donation to English High School, he recently supported the Boys and Girls Club by providing food and silent auction items for their Steak and Burger fundraiser.”What can you say? Bob is a great guy,” said Fila. “He came forward over the summer and said he wanted to do this and he put his money where his mouth is.”