LYNN-Students from Lynn Vocational and Technical Institute are receiving praise this week for their community service efforts both during and after the holiday season for several citizens of Lynn.The School Committee formally recognized students from the school’s auto mechanic’s program and graphic and design department along with students who volunteered at the Connery Elementary School over the holiday break Thursday night, commending all students for their efforts in the community.The auto mechanics department received thanks from the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lynn for their efforts in helping a disadvantaged family in the city acquire much-needed automotive repairs.The charity organization came to the auto mechanics shop with the story of a family from the Highlands neighborhood who were struggling to make ends meet and on the brink of losing their home.While the single parent in the household did have a job, the family vehicle was non functional and facing an estimated $2, 000 in repairs, making it impossible for the parent to travel to work or the local food pantry to pick up food.In an effort to help the family, the charity contacted auto mechanics teacher Mason Hewston for help. Without making any promises, Hewston assessed the vehicle for free and estimated the repair cost at $1,200 less than what was originally projected from other auto repair facilities.The auto mechanics students went ahead with repairs, identifying several other areas of need on the vehicle and making vast safety improvements.”The students of Lynn Tech under the direction of Mr. Hewston took a bad situation for a Lynn family in need and turned it around so they can have safe and sound transportation to and from work,” said James M. Carroll, an attorney and member of St. Vincent de Paul in a letter to the School Committee. “Lynn Tech’s automotive program produced a real benefit to the community by assisting this family and for that benefit we are grateful to all who made a contribution to this effort.”Along the same charitable lines as their classmates in auto shop, students in the graphic design shop assisted a 94-year-old Lynn woman notify her family after a move to the Life Care Center of the North Shore over the holiday season.Having lived at the center for approximately a year, Lynn resident Edna Maitland was looking for a way to get in touch with family and friends to tell them about her new address. She turned to the LVTI graphic arts department, where students printed a high-quality, Christmas-themed letter to her friends and family.Finally, students were commended in their efforts helping volunteer at the Connery Elementary School Christmas Fair in December. Students helped set up and man tables at the fair, and also worked with students and families throughout the event.