Lynn subjects are class acts at NSCC

LYNN – North Shore Community College students brought history to life Friday by interviewing and then presenting the stories of notable Lynn residents, including Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy and Police Chief Kevin Coppinger.The Lynn Museum opened its doors for three dozen students to make their presentations as part of their participation in college assistant professor Nathan Chio?s World History II class.?This is important – it is engagement that gives them a chance to care about where they come from,” Chio said.The students interviewed Kennedy and Coppinger as well as Blue Ox restaurant owner Matt O?Neil, North Shore President Dr. Patricia Gentile and School Committee member Maria Carrasco each for about a half hour during their current semester and spent almost an hour on Friday presenting profiles on each person.The students asked their interview subjects a simple question: “Why Lynn???We wanted to know why have people chosen to focus their attention and energy on this city and – by extension – ask the students, ?What can you give back??” said Lynn Museum Assistant Director Abby Battis.Jamila Fernandez said a long discussion with Kennedy helped her answer that question as it pertains to Lynn?s first woman mayor.?She responds to negative comments from people about Lynn with this: ?Once they come in and see the difference between perception and reality, they will come back,?” Fernandez said.Students who interviewed Coppinger said the chief?s career is rooted in the city?s history and is also historic: Coppinger became the youngest deputy chief in the Police Department?s history and went on to be named chief in 2009.??My No. 1 priority is the public safety of everyone in the city – whether they are a resident, visitor or worker,?” the student interviewers quoted Coppinger as saying.Erica Flores of Revere transcribed his classmates? interview with Coppinger in advance of Friday?s presentation and said questions the students asked the chief taught her about him and about Lynn.?I ended up feeling I knew him – he was very genuine in the interview – and people in Lynn really care about changing the city,” Flores said.She took Chio?s course because she enjoys history. Chio said this is the third year he has challenged students to talk to people making history in Lynn and ask them why the city is important to them.?Part of the idea is to get students more interested in local history,” he said.Coppinger said the North Shore students interviewed him about three weeks ago and surprised him with their interest in his background and their search for frank answers about his job.?I give the kids credit – they asked good questions,” he said.