ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE

Maria Coleman, of Nahant, said her students are the ones who influence her the most.

BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE

SAUGUS — Thursday morning diners at the Hammersmith Family Restaurant thoughtfully reflected on those who influenced them most in 2015.

Maria Coleman, of Nahant, said her students are the ones who influence her the most.

“I’m a teacher of young special needs children who inspire me to strive harder and work harder,” said Coleman.

Coleman works for the Peabody Public School system teaching preschool aged children in integrated classrooms containing both typically developing children and children with special needs.

“I was also very influenced by my mom,” Coleman said. “She (Patricia Dunn) is a strong-willed, hard-working woman. She’s our family rock.”

Saugus resident Shari Losanno said she had a tough year with the loss of her husband and was greatly influenced by the support she received from her friends.

“My friends influence me. They’re very strong,” Losanno said. “They helped me and inspired me after the tragic loss of my husband.

“If it weren’t for my friends, I wouldn’t have gotten through it,” she said.

Others at Hammersmith expressed appreciation for the religious leaders in their lives.

“Pastor Dave Tralongo from the Chair City Community Church in Gardner (has influenced me the most),” said Tina Gallant of Gardner. “The encouragement he gives to do things you’re good at and the opportunity he gives (is influential).”

“I would say the Pope is the one who has influenced me most,” said Duke Bradley. “I just think he’s great. He’s for the people.”

“I was influenced by our pastor in Saugus,” said Melanie Franklin from Lynn.

Franklin said she attends the New Hope Assembly, which is located on Assembly Drive in Saugus. She said she is inspired by her pastor, Reverend Wayne Shrink, because of “his influence, encouragement in growing and being better, and his mentorship.”

Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected].