Lynn Classical Alumni Will Mark

LYNN - From prisoners of war to the former president of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Lynn Classical High School has had its share of famous alumni in its 100 years of existence, but the alumni association is hoping that all of the school’s graduates will turn out this month for a 100-year celebration.

Although what is now called Classical has technically been in existence since 1849 when it was the city’s only high school located on Franklin Street, the school as most know it today became a reality in 1909, when it moved in to what is now the Fecteau-Leary Junior Senior High School at 33 North Common St.

In the 100 years following that move, the school has been home to many academic and athletic achievements as alumni have gone on to work in politics and entertainment, while others returned to give back as teachers, principals and school administrators.

The alumni association is hoping that many of these graduates will turn out for a 100th anniversary celebration May 16 at St. Michael’s Hall.

“Lynn Classical has produced leaders, scientists, lawyers,” said Paul Stafford, a 1961 graduate. “It has produced a plethora of people who have contributed not only to the local community, but to the state and the nation.”

At a school known for its athletic pride, Stafford’s 1961 class has the unique distinction of being the only class that did not have a Classical Rams football team.

Due to funding problems, the School Committee decided to combine the Lynn Classical and English High football teams, creating the “Lynn Lions.”

As Stafford pointed out, the move was unpopular in the city to say the least, and the football programs were returned to their respective schools the following year.

Since its inception, Classical has been the recipient of many prestigious awards. In 1993 it became the first high school in the state to receive a $1 million grant from the General Electric Company, enabling the school to make dramatic changes in academic studies.

In addition, Classical has been named to U.S. News and World Report’s top high schools list on several occasions.

Classical High School remained on North Common Street for over 90 years until the city built the school a state-of-the art new home on O’Callaghan Way in 1999.

The move to the larger building did not bring about the end of the old Classical High School, however, as alternative programs like the Career Development Center took place in the school’s old classrooms in the following years.

Now, a decade after the new building has opened, Classical once again finds itself educating students on North Common Street, as freshman from the school are taking classes at the old building while the city completes repairs on O’Callaghan Way.

The 100th anniversary celebration will take place May 16, which has been declared Lynn Classical High School Day in Lynn.

The All-LCHS Class Gathering, open to alumni of all ages, will take place at St. Michael’s Hall, 25 Elmwood Ave from 7-11 p.m.

The event will feature dancing, food, door prizes and raffles.

Tickets are $20 and are available at the door, at Classical High School or by reservation.

For reservations call Geraldine Stafford at 781-599-7685 or Lynn Classical High School at 781-477-7409 and ask for Laura.

For more information on alumni events visit www.lynnclassicalalumni.org.