At its final meeting of the year Thursday, the Lynn School Committee honored two of its outgoing members.
Donna Coppola and Tiffany Magnolia were honored for their service on the committee.
“Both of you exemplify what it means to be a public servant, and that’s to help people and to help people all the time,” state Sen. Brendan Crighton said while presenting a congratulatory proclamation from the Massachusetts Senate.
“You both are tremendous role models for the community,” state Rep. Peter Capano said, while presenting a similar proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Coppola served 24 years on the committee, choosing not to seek re-election this year to run for City Council instead.
Mayor Jared Nicholson said that Coppola’s career has been impressive.
“For you as a parent, a grandparent, a foster parent, as a PTO member, and as an advocate, to be able to bring all those hats and sit at this table and be true to all of those roles has been an inspiring example to all of us here,” Nicholson said. “Your dedication and really deep commitment to working families in the community is something we all admire.”
Superintendent Evonne Alvarez said that Coppola’s impact on people’s lives has been immeasurable.
“Donna was an advocate for students and families, as well as all staff members. Her selflessness in service to others cannot be overstated,” Alvarez said.
Committee member Lorraine Gately became emotional while speaking about Coppola.
“I recall way back when, standing in line during an open mic, I was still in the teaching field, you were always there for me to pick up the phone as a teacher and talk to,” Gately said. “You looked into the issues, and you’ve been consistent with that for 24 years.”
Coppola, who served under five mayors and six superintendents, said it was an honor to be on the School Committee for the past 24 years and thanked her family for the sacrifices they made so she could serve.
“My favorite part was the students themselves, and the highlight has always been the graduations,” Coppola said. “To hear where kids were going to college and what they had accomplished, it’s just amazing. I will still be an advocate out there letting people know that they can trust their kids with Lynn Public Schools.”
Magnolia served one term on the School Committee.
Nicholson said that the district is better off thanks to Magnolia’s contributions.
“The advocacy, passion, and perspective you brought to this work has been incredibly exciting and refreshing and in a lot of ways, innovative,” he said. “In this time in public education when there are a lot of deep debates happening, to have someone with as much passion as anyone that I’ve worked with about the issue here at the table, able to engage deeply in the policy and the theory… Dr. Magnolia is right there with a great thought and perspective, particularly with your advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Alvarez said that Magnolia’s experience as an educator was appreciated.
“You were also a voice for all students and families,” Alvarez said. “Your passion for equity within our school system has been a driving force for a lot of changes that have positively impacted students, teachers, and their families.”
Gately added that Magnolia “brought a different level to this committee.”
