LYNN — The night began with Mayor Jared C. Nicholson announcing Essex Media Group’s (EMG) 2024 Lynn Person of the Year award recipient, making sure to point out the incredible work all of the recipients have done, noting that they all deserved to be there that night.
EMG recognized Joel Abramson for his never-ending work to support Lynn schools, giving back to the district that helped raise him. He has promoted the importance of mental health and hygiene for students.
“We are facing incredibly difficult times…The greatest anxiety stems from the fear of the unknown…I often cite the parable that states that the stars shine the brightest when the sky is the darkest. Our sky may be sark, but the stars in this room, with the help of our municipal and state leaders, will bind us together, and this bond will not be broken.”
Joe Connell, Thomas Bogart, Paul Donato, John Harrigan, Jason Kimball, Charles Leach, Ronald Nutter, Nicholas Secatore, and Bruce Siegel were recognized as EMG’s 2024 Persons of the Year for Lynnfield for their dedication in honoring the 1,090 local veterans. Connell stood to accept the award for the group.
“This means a lot to us…As a group and as a committee, we couldn’t be happier to come…It was to recognize all of our veterans who served,” Connell said.
Marblehead’s George, Carol, and Doug Shube, who have served the community for more than 70 years, creating a warm and welcoming space for all at Shubie’s, were recognized as EMG’s 2024 Persons of the Year for Marblehead. Doug Shube stood to accept the award.
“I feel very fortunate to work alongside my parents…My parents lead by example…I’d also be remiss at this point not to mention our staff of 60-plus. We simply cannot do what we do without all of them,” he said.
David Conlin was recognized as Nahant’s 2024 Person of the Year for his 34 years as town moderator, continuously serving his community through every Town Meeting.
“I’m really humbled by the folks who preceded me…I’m really proud to be associated with all of you and this award,” Conlin said. He reminisced on multiple stories as town moderator, including how his dog helped get him elected 34 years ago.
Maria Scheri, EMG’s Person of the Year for Peabody, could not attend the event. However, she was recognized for her relentless fight to keep children safe.
Saugus’ Laurie Davis was recognized as EMG’s Person of the Year for Saugus for her work as director of the senior center where she helps seniors stay active and consistently finds ways to move the center forward with her motto of kindness.
“I am incredibly honored, grateful, and deeply humbled…I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Doris Napier for this nomination. Her kindness and unwavering support truly mean the world to me…This recognition is not just mine, but also belongs to my incredible staff and all my wonderful volunteers,” she said.
Finally, EMG’s Person of the Year for Swampscott was Kacy Jauron, who was recognized for creating the Jauron Family Foundation as well as Coastal Collective, a space that was created so that anyone can walk into and make their own.
“The foundation’s mission is to promote health, wellness, diversity, and inclusion,” Jauron said. She then thanked her family for everything they’ve done. “My parents are involved in true empathy, kindness, and philanthropy…My husband, who inspired me to be the best version of myself, and my daughters for the opportunity to love them and see the world through their eyes. My extended family, specifically my cousins, who have supported me through life transitions and devastating losses,” she said.
Every participant recognized each other and truly embodied what it meant to be an EMG Person of the Year through their continuous desire to do better for their communities.
