Shawsheen Valley Technical High School honored the legacy of its late superintendent, Charlie Lyons, with the establishing of the Charles H. “Charlie” Lyons Award, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy for vocational technical education in Massachusetts.
Lyons serves as the superintendent of Shawsheen Tech from 1987 until his retirement in 2015, and was a former president of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA.) In 2016, he received MAVA’s Dr. David F. Cronin Award, the organization’s highest honor. The scholarship created in his name continues to support Shawsheen students, underscoring his commitment to their success.
Under Lyons’ leadership, Shawsheen excelled in academics, cooperative education, and athletics. He positioned the school as a leader in co-op placements, where it still ranks a top school in the state. His dedication to upgrading athletic facilities and enhancing academic standards continues to positively impact students and faculty.
Reflecting on Lyons’ contributions, Superintendent Tony McIntosh shared, “I hope to continue Charlie’s legacy by keeping students and essential programs at the forefront of our work and by sustaining a healthy budget.” McIntosh, who was mentored by Lyons through the MAVA Leadership II program, added, “Charlie was a legend in vocational education, and the creation of this award in his name is a fitting tribute.”
The inaugural recipient of the Charles H. “Charlie” Lyons Award was presented to Katherine Craven, Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, for her steadfast commitment to vocational education.
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