Lynn Tech students honored by Marian Court College

LYNN – A group of Lynn Vocational and Technical Institute students have been honored by Marian Court College in Swampscott for completing the Bridges to the Future program this month.Thirteen students from the city’s vocational high school participated in the program, which is designed to assist economically disadvantaged high school seniors by offering a three credit college course as part of their high school curriculum.Made possible through a grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, the students were enrolled in a technology foundations course taught on the Marion Court campus.The program exposes high school seniors to a college atmosphere and curriculum, gives them a leg up on college credits and encourages the students to continue pursuing higher education once they leave school.Each student who successfully completed the 10-week program receives the three credits and a number of the LVTI students have decided to apply to the college for the fall 2009 semester.”We acknowledge the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation for their generous and significant financial support that made the Bridges to the Future initiative possible,” said professor Ghazi Darkazalli. “This collaborative program is exactly what we at Marian Court College are about – preparing students from all educational and socioeconomic backgrounds for life-long learning.”In addition to charity work with Lynn students, Marian Court is also participating in the annual Fairy Godmother Project, which collects prom dresses for disadvantaged students. The school will be a drop off point for the charity, which is based in Nahant.The project is calling for donations of gently used or new gowns, jewelry, purses, evening shoes, gift certificates to hair and nail salons, dry cleaning service, gown hangers and dress bags, gift bag items or simply a monetary donation.In the spring, qualifying girls can attend the “Princess Boutique” to select gowns and accessories, make an appointment for services and arrange for transportation to the prom.Marian Court students studying fashion merchandising are set to volunteer for the effort, and aid students as “shoppers.””In support of the college’s mission, Marian Court students participate in several community service activities per semester,” said Linda Lundstrom, coordinator of community service.” The students are excited about this particular activity because it is a very fun way to give back to the local community in which they live, work and attend college.”Donated items can be dropped off at Marion Court College, 35 Little’s Point Road, Swampscott, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from now until March 20. Anyone with questions can call 781-309-5200.