Group pushes to rename Saugus High auditorium

SAUGUS – A group of Saugus residents hopes to rename the high school?s auditorium after two beloved performing arts teachers, but the School Committee must first re-work their naming policy.In July, the committee accepted a first read of a policy to name school facilities that suggested they “not be named after any one particular person so as not to exclude any person who has contributed to Saugus Public Schools.”On Thursday evening, Amanda Allen and Ted Brierley Jr. asked the committee to consider changing that wording to honor two performing arts teachers by naming the facility The Nancy M. Lemoine-Jerome J. Mitchell Performing Arts Auditorium. They asked that the committee amend the policy to “recognize individuals for extraordinary lifetime achievements in education in the Saugus Public Schools.”Allen and Brierley said they represented a compromise – in bringing together the two names, they were joining hundreds of people in the Lemoine-Mitchell Performing Arts Groups who knew Mitchell or Lemoine or had been performing arts students of theirs. Both had students who went on to pursue careers in music and acting, said Allen.Brierley said if the name was changed, the combined group would work to revitalize the performing arts program in Saugus, as well as help to maintain the auditorium. “Allowing this hard-earned and well-deserved honor for these two incredible role models at this time will ensure their memories will live on in the town,” Allen read from a statement.The pair described Mitchell as a conductor who led bands and choral groups in their performances at the auditorium for over 40 years, including an annual Christmas concert.Mitchell?s daughter Michelle held back tears remembering her recently deceased father, who she said helped design the auditorium. “We want to enhance and give the students a learning alternative other than sports and other activities where they can develop and enjoy,” she said.?She was a mentor to me,” said Allen, who is president of the Theater Company of Saugus.Allen said Lemoine, who directed stage productions at the high school, was her mentor at the Theater Company of Saugus, of which she is now president. “She took me under her wing,” said Allen.Committee member Rick Doucette told Allen and Brierley that he would have to bring the issue before the Policy Subcommittee for discussion. Doucette said the naming policy would be put on the agenda at their next meeting Thursday, Oct. 17.