LYNN — The Lynn Classical High School Alumni and Friends Association recently hosted a special breakfast to recognize the individuals who have played a vital role in sustaining its scholarship program over the years.
The event was not designed as a fundraiser, but rather as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for long-time supporters whose contributions have made a lasting impact.
Stanley Slepoy, Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Friends, described how the idea had been discussed for decades before finally becoming a reality.
“It’s something that I’ve been on the trustees for over 25 years, and we’ve talked about it through the years, honoring long-time supporters and financial contributors…So, we finally took action and planned this,” he said.
Slepoy, who chaired the event, explained that the breakfast was intended to become an annual tradition.
“We have so many people to thank through the years. It wasn’t a fundraiser; it was just something that we wanted to do as a thank you,” Slepoy stated.
The honorees included several individuals whose dedication spans decades. “Every person, all the names like Pat Lee, Warren White, these are people that have contributed to the scholarship program,” Slepoy said, highlighting the importance of their continued support.
Pat Lee, a longtime educator who began teaching at Lynn Classical in 1976, remains an active presence in the school community and serves as Alumni Historian. Warren White, class of 1966, dedicated his career to education in Lynn, serving as a teacher, vice principal, and principal, and has consistently supported the scholarship program through generous contributions.
Paul Stafford, class of 1961, and his wife Gerri Stafford, class of 1962, were also honored for their commitment. Paul Stafford taught social studies at Lynn Classical and later served as Alumni president for 23 years, while Gerri Stafford contributed as Treasurer.
Together, they have played a significant role in the organization’s continued success and proudly fund the Stafford Family Scholarship each year.
Another key figure recognized was Dave Solomine, class of 1953, a founding member of the Alumni Scholarship Committee. In 1994, he helped launch the organization alongside Principal Nick Kostan and other graduates. Since then, he has remained a trustee, funded his own scholarship, and encouraged others to give.
A defining characteristic of the Alumni and Friends association is its continuity of leadership and involvement.
“Constantino has been the president (of the association) for nine years now; before that, he was principal at Lynn Classical for nine years. And before that, he was vice principal,” he said.
Slepoy also pointed out that current principal Amy Dunn once served as vice principal under Gene Constantino, calling it a “true circle.”
This continuity has extended for nearly three decades, helping preserve what Slepoy described as invaluable “institutional knowledge.”
Beyond honoring individuals, the event also reflected the broader impact of the organization’s work. Scholarships are funded through a combination of family-sponsored awards and larger endowments.
“We have over 50 of those types of scholarships that family sponsors,” Slepoy noted, adding that additional funding comes from foundations and community efforts.
The results of these efforts are substantial. “We’ve given out over 1.9 million scholarships over almost 30 years,” Slepoy said. With upcoming awards, the organization is expected to reach a major milestone. “We will be able to reach the 2 million that students will have received scholarships.”
Ultimately, the breakfast served as both a celebration and a reminder of the power of sustained community support.
Through decades of generosity and leadership, these honorees have helped create opportunities for countless students, ensuring that the mission of the Lynn Classical Alumni and Friends Association continues to thrive.
“We are grateful for the generosity and leadership of these honorees, whose support helps us expand scholarship opportunities for Lynn Classical students each year,” Constantino stated.
