Fundraiser to benefit scholarships for Classical High students

LYNN – Paul Stafford said it?s hard to believe his alma mater, Suffolk University, is now charging $50,000 a year for tuition when he struggled to pay $400 a semester in the 1960s.The president of the Alumni and Friends of Lynn Classical High School Scholarship Fund said his father was working two jobs just to care for the family of three children, and the only reason he was able to attend college was because of a disability scholarship. Now, Stafford said, he hears of LCHS graduates who have to return scholarships because it wasn?t enough for them to achieve their dream of a college degree, making scholarship fundraising nonprofits, like Alumni and Friends, more important than ever.?The cost has dramatically risen, and we still have a large number of youngsters from low- and middle-class families who want to go to school and they need scholarships,” said Stafford.Stafford said scholarships have become “mandatory” now that the average cost to even apply for five colleges can add up to $700 before students are even accepted.Councilor at large Brendan Crighton, a member of the association, recalled feeling like he “won the lottery” when he was first awarded aid, but he is familiar with the struggle of paying off school loans. “No one should have to give up dreams of college because of money,” he said.Alumni and Friends has awarded $43,000 per year since its beginning in 1994, said Stafford, and consistently awards to so many students that LCHS Principal Gene Constantino said the alumni association needs its own banquet night. Last year, the association gave $53,550 merit-based scholarships to 63 graduating students, said Stafford.?I don?t think I know of another alumni network that gives as much money,” said Constantino.The funds come from private businesses and individuals, but last year $8,000 came from the association?s fundraising events, which Stafford said can make a difference in how many students are granted a scholarship and how much they can be awarded.On Thursday, March 20, the association will hold its annual event at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. The Pizza and Comedy Night starts at 6:30 p.m. and will feature an unlimited salad and cheese pizza buffet, comedy routines and a raffle. Tickets cost $25 per person and must be reserved by March 14 with a check made out to the LCHS Alumni Association, mailed to 235 O?Callaghan Way, Lynn, MA 01905.To purchase a ticket at the high school, call Laura Durant at 781-477-7409 or email at [email protected].?I hope the Lynn community, especially the Lynn Classical family, will come out and support this very important fundraiser to help deserving students realize their dream of a better life through education,” said Stafford.