LYNN — Two Lynn Tech students are embarking on careers in the service of others, with some help from Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS).
Lubbi Angel and Jennifer Cartagena, both recent graduates of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute with Certified Nursing Assistant licenses, were awarded $5,000 college scholarships to pursue their education.
“Every year, it is a challenge to choose just two honorees from among the many incredible students who apply,” said Kathryn C. Burns, the GLSS Chief Executive Officer, during the recent virtual award ceremony with the two winners. “I hope you hold this among your great accomplishments.”
GLSS has awarded two $5,000 scholarships to college-bound seniors who attend local high schools for the past 15 years.
The Lique Human Services Scholarship, named in memory of long-time GLSS Executive Director Vince Lique, honors students who are interested in pursuing careers in health and human services, and who have made an impact in the world through community service.
“I knew Vince Lique,” said Burns. “And he would be incredibly proud of your achievements, your commitment to our community, and your compassionate approach to helping others,”
Angel, who is currently attending Mount Holyoke College, studying to become a Nurse Practitioner, is considering a career working with premature babies.
She has been deeply involved in Lynn community service since she was young, volunteering at My Brother’s Table, Reach Out and Read, and The Haven Project.
Some of the community service that Angel found most valuable was her work volunteering in the Healthy Living Group, a program that helps children learn to live healthier lifestyles.
“I used to struggle with my eating habits,” said Angel. “It was a lonely process that I went through. But being able to help other people out who were going through the same things that I went through — that made me feel really proud.”
In her application, she described having the desire to help others in need from a very early age, an “epiphany” which occurred during a penny drive in elementary school for victims of the 2010 hurricane in Haiti.
“I was certain that I wanted to help people in need, and that determination continued to flourish and grow throughout my life,” she said.
She is optimistic about the future, and the change that young people will be able to bring about.
“Our generation is moving mountains,” said Angel. “People are not afraid to speak up. Our generation can hopefully change things for the community and I’ve started to see it now.”
Cartagena is currently enrolled in the pre-med program at Endicott College, studying psychology.
She moved from Boston to Lynn in her junior year of high school, where she immediately became involved in service projects. Together with her friends, she led a clothing and hygiene products drive for homeless teens and volunteered at My Brother’s Table.
She worked with the Lynn Community Health Board to provide contraceptives in the Lynn Public Schools, which has since seen decreased teen pregnancy rates.
“As a dreamer, I understand that my job is not only to accomplish my own dream, but, more importantly, to help others accomplish theirs, without encountering obstacles such as poverty, pregnancy, or lack of resources,” she said.
Hoping to continue her activism, Cartagena, who has a wide range of interests, plans to become a plastic surgeon focused on helping women recovering from mastectomies and to open a nonprofit pediatric clinic in Guatemala.
The Lique Scholarship application process will begin again in early spring.
Interested seniors who attend Kipp Academy, Lynn English High School, Lynn Classical High School, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, Lynnfield High School, St. Mary’s High School, Saugus High School, or Swampscott High School can see their guidance counselors for an application.
Guthrie Scrimgeour can be reached at [email protected].
