LYNN — Students at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute had smiles that lit up the room after receiving a generous donation from a local electrician union.
On Monday afternoon, IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 103 donated new textbooks and fire-resistant clothing worth more than $5,000 to Tech’s electrician program.
“It’s going to help a lot having these books that we know cost so much money, it’s a great benefit for us,” said Jessica Gomes, a Lynn Tech sophomore and one of only three girls in the electrical program. “I’m thankful they actually care about us and want to help us.”
After teachers from the high school reached out to the local union, telling them of a need for new textbooks, union representatives Dave O’Laughlin and Kenell Broomstein jumped into action.
“We just wanted to give back to the community that we work in and see these kids make a career for themselves,” said O’Laughlin. “There is a future in the union for them and this is an opportunity for them that I can open up.”
O’Laughlin and Broomstein hand-delivered the donations to the students toward the end of the school day. Mayor Thomas McGee and Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham were in attendance as well.
“I feel that Tech is a good choice for everyone because they learn a skill that can help them work their way through college if they want,” said Latham. “When these kids walk out the door they are employable, so I think it is a great option and we are so fortunate to have a wonderful technical school that we own.”
“It’s great to see Lynn Tech building real leaders,” said McGee. “I want to thank 103 for bringing in all these resources for these students.”
Broomstein, the first African-American female business agent for IBEW in more than 118 years, is a Lynn Tech alumna. She graduated in 2004 as the only female in the electrician program.
“I definitely believe this will give them a better opportunity to learn the relative and current information that is so important to our industry,” she said. “I can’t emphasize the word opportunity enough. It only takes letting them know that the IBEW exists and creates opportunities that only further their future electrical careers.”
