Schools
Congressman Lynch Talks Growing Up in Public Housing, Ironworkers at Catholic Memorial
Lynch told the students about his childhood, growing up in public housing in Boston and following his father into the iron trade at a young age.
Congressman Stephen Lynch addressed Catholic Memorial’s eighth grade class on subjects ranging from literacy to leadership at its morning assembly on January 9.
Lynch, D-8th, who is exploring a US Senate run, came at the invitation of students James Moccio and Thomas Bohan, the latter of whom is Lynch's nephew.
"I'm a big fan of CM," Lynch told the students. "I served and am great friends with [CM alumni and State] Senator Mike Rush and [former city councilor] John Tobin. I'm all in with CM, and have all the garb and sweatshirts!"
Lynch told the students about his childhood, growing up in public housing in Boston and following his father into the iron trade at a young age.
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"Even though I was in the trades, I always loved to read," he said. "I loved to read history. My mother always had a great knack for picking out books that I loved. She just knew…so even though I was iron-working...I always kept reading."
"After I became president of the ironworkers' union, I still wanted to continue my education, so I went nights and weekends at the Wentworth Institute, did a semester out at University of Wisconsin while I was working out there at a steel mill. That's one thing I would encourage you to stick with is to keep reading. The job I have now involves an awful lot of reading, and it has guided me and has opened up a lot of doors to me over the years," said Lynch.
After discussing his decision to study law and run for Congress, Lynch gave students a rundown of a typical day in his Washington office. Then he fielded questions from them about pursuing politics and his thoughts on current events.
CM Middle School Program guidance counselor Mary Concannon opened the assembly with a prayer.
Lynch is one of several guest speakers who address the seventh and eighth grade programs at Catholic Memorial each year, almost all of whom address topics related to civics and the programs' interdisciplinary units.
