Annual event showcases positive impact of youth on Lynn community

LYNN – Students, teachers, state lawmakers and school officials gathered at Brothers Deli Sunday night for Lynn Educational Television?s fourth annual Teen Spotlight, which recognizes youths from all Lynn high schools who have made a positive impact on the community through volunteer work.?I really don?t know how you do it,” Lynn Superintendent Cathy Latham told the crowd of about 66 students. “It?s hard enough to get your school work done, much less all the projects you do.”LETV sports announcer John Hoffman said the Spotlight began when Brothers Deli owner George Markos, tired of seeing negative stories about Lynn teens on the local news, asked him if there was a way to get the word out about the promoting the good deeds certain teens perform in the community.Click to view a photo gallery of the eventSoon, Hoffman began planning a special show on LETV that would highlight the volunteer work of Lynn youths involved in events like Walk for Hunger, blood drives, peer mediating and JROTC.Markos opened his restaurant after-hours to give the students and their guests a free roast beef dinner, and each student received a certificate signed by Latham and Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy in recognition of their efforts. Markos said it was his way of giving back to the city?s young people who give so much.?When I was young, I wanted the mayor, my parents, anyone to give me encouragement that I was going to get somewhere,” Markos said. “This is to show our appreciation to the kids. They give 365 days of the year, I can give one day of the year.”This year, LETV reached out to fine arts programs as well as Girls Inc., and the four high schools. Then they ran 11 one-hour segments showcasing the teens? hard work, and then invited each of the students, their parents and teachers to Sunday?s dinner.?You see that segment on [the news] about 27 kids at a fight in the park,” Hoffman said.. They made a mistake. But there are 17,000 students in this city. We have some great kids doing really terrific stuff.”State Reps. Robert Fennel and Steve Walsh and state Sen. Tom McGee also gave brief speeches commending the students? investment in their home city.?You?re the future of this city,” McGee said. “And we know we have a great future ahead.”Lynn Classical student and JROTC member Sylvia Yarpah, 18, said she felt honored her teacher called on her to represent her school at the dinner.?Kids these days – there are some who do bad things, but there are so many in the city who do good things too,” Yarpah said. “It?s nice that they?re in the spotlight.”Taylor Provost can be reached at [email protected].