LYNN — LEAP (Learn, Explore, Aspire and Pursue) for Education is awarding New England Patriots Devin and Jason McCourty a Distinguished Leaders Award at its annual Great Expectations fundraiser, which will be held virtually April 8 at 6 p.m.
The McCourtys, who are twins, will also be giving the keynote address at the event.
The brothers were selected for the award because of their work for the Player’s Coalition, which works with professional athletes, coaches and owners across leagues to make an impact on social justice and racial equality through advocacy, awareness, education and equitable allocation of resources.
The brothers spent time in 2019 at the Tracy Elementary School in Lynn, where they spoke with students and teachers to gain insight on their plans for the district’s anticipated Student Opportunity Act funding.
Gov. Charlie Baker signed the act into law in 2019, which changed the formula for the funding of schools to send more money to underserved communities.
“It is such an honor to have the McCourtys as our keynote speakers and awardees,” said LEAP executive director Linda Saris. “Their passionate advocacy for equitable access to quality education is demonstrable as evidenced by their actions and their words.”
The brothers traveled to schools throughout the state to advocate for education reform, and were lauded by Saris as powerful champions for education in Massachusetts.
“In our travels throughout the state, it is clear that many of the schools in under-resourced communities are not on a level playing field with the wealthier communities,” Jason McCourty said. “This puts the students at a competitive disadvantage. That is why we focused on the passing of the Student Opportunity Act.”
His brother Devin added that the LEAP programs are free and help students find their aspirations. LEAP works with Lynn students at Marshall Middle School, currently hosting virtual after school programs.
“Programs like LEAP help to keep students, who may be the first in their families to go to college, or may come from homes where English is not spoken, on track to graduate high school and college,” he said.
Devin is the chair of the Players Coalition Education & Economic Advancement Committee where he focuses on bail reform, education, and prosecutor accountability. In 2019, he helped pass the Education Promise Act, which provides rightful opportunities and meaningful investment for successful and equitable education.
The twins were both nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
This annual fundraiser will also honor students’ success and recognize teachers with the newly established Teacher-Hero Award.
Registration for Great Expectations is free. Upon registration, guests may donate to support LEAP programs and/or nominate up to two teachers who will be recognized at the event. Later in the year, LEAP will also sponsor teacher appreciation events at each of the schools they partner with in Lynn, Salem, Peabody and Gloucester. Register at www.leap4ed- greatexpectations.org.
