This year marks a historic milestone for the Lowell Youth Activities Program as it celebrates its 30th anniversary of empowering local youth. To honor three decades of service, the community gathered on Thursday, June 20th, at the Dragonfly Cafe for the annual Philip L. Shea Scholarship Awards Reception.
The event served as a heartfelt celebration of the academic achievements and higher education goals of students residing in Lowell Housing Authority properties.
An Inspiring Keynote
Adding to the evening’s inspiration was keynote speaker Cathy Mercado, Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership.
A lifelong Lowell resident and former LHA Homeownership Voucher participant, Mercado’s personal
journey from housing assistance to executive leadership served as a powerful testament to what the scholarship recipients can achieve.
Community-Driven Support
The success of LYAP and its scholarship program relies heavily on the generosity of local sponsors and donors. The LYAP community would be remiss if it did not acknowledge the profound impact of the late Robert "Bob" J. McMahon, a former LHA Chairman and dedicated public servant who passed away in June of 2024.
A true champion for the people of Lowell, Bob’s commitment to housing and youth development was lifelong. In a final testament to his character, his family requested that donations in his memory be made to the Lowell Youth Activities Program. The outpouring of generosity from those who knew and loved Bob significantly bolstered the scholarship fund this year, ensuring that his legacy of service lives on through the next generation of Lowell’s leaders.