BOSTON — The city of Lynn was honored Thursday for its efforts to revitalize the city.
Social Capital Inc., a Woburn nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen communities through civic initiatives, bestowed the Community Impact Award on Mayor Thomas M. McGee at a luncheon at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.
“I am proud of how our city continues to come together and that we are seen as a place where regardless of your background, you can live, work, and raise a family in our community,” said McGee, who accepted the award on behalf of the many nonprofits who shared the stage with him. “The divisiveness and bitterness we have seen nationally emphasizes the reality that if we are divided, we won’t accomplish anything.”
McGee was introduced by Robert F. Rivers, Eastern Bank’s CEO. The Lynn bank sponsored the award.
The ingredients of a winning city, Rivers said, include great nonprofits, engaged businesses, significant capital investments such as the $49 million expansion of the YMCA, KIPP Academy’s transformation of a 90-year-old downtown building into a $20 million high school, a new STEM building at St. Mary’s campus, and the Beyond Walls project, which has delivered renewed cultural energy to the downtown.
Noting, the city has a new mayor, Rivers said: “The election of former state Sen. Thomas M. McGee as mayor signifies a new day has indeed dawned in Lynn.”
Previous winners have included Chelsea, Lawrence, and Salem.
David Crowley, Social Capital’s president, said while the award was given on McGee’s watch, credit should be given to former Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy.
“The award is intended to give kudos to the community,” he said. “Mayor McGee and his predecessor should share the credit.”
Dianne Kelly, Revere Superintendent of Schools, was one of six to accept the Community Social Capitalist award. The prize is given to those who impact the lives of others by leveraging their personal and professional network to make a difference.
Kelly, who started her career as a math teacher in the Revere Public Schools, served in a number of capacities in the district before being named superintendent.
