Below is a press release from Shawsheen Tech:
MARLBOROUGH, MA — Shawsheen Valley Technical High School proudly celebrated the legacy of its late Superintendent, Charlie Lyons, at the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) fall meeting. To honor his lifelong dedication to vocational education, MAVA established the Charles H. “Charlie” Lyons Award, created to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy for vocational technical education in Massachusetts.
Charlie Lyons served as Superintendent at Shawsheen Tech from 1987 until his retirement in 2015, devoting his career to advancing vocational education across the state. A former MAVA President in 1996, Lyons continued as a vital and influential member of the MAVA Board of Directors from 1988 until his passing. In 2016, he received MAVA’s Dr. David F. Cronin Award, the organization’s highest honor. Lyons’ legacy at Shawsheen reflects his strategic approach to municipal finance, establishing a sustainable budget and securing long-term benefits for staff, including comprehensive health insurance and competitive salaries. Scholarships created in his name continue 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. MAVA’s Executive Director, Steven Sharek, introduced the award, and it was presented by Lyon’s longtime colleague James Brosnan, Superintendent of McCann Technical High School.
Craven, the current Chief Administrative Officer at Babson College, one of the nation’s top business schools, has an extensive career in public service. Her past roles include Budget Director and Policy Advisor for the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and First Deputy Treasurer of the Commonwealth.
About Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District
Established in 1965, Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District (SVRVTSD) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, placing students at the center of its mission. Proudly serving the communities of Billerica, Bedford, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington, Shawsheen caters to the diverse needs of over 1,300 students in grades 9-12.
Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, Shawsheen seamlessly integrates academics with a dynamic range of over 20 vocational-technical career pathways. Located in Billerica, Massachusetts, Shawsheen’s expansive 100-acre campus hosts an exceptional school building adorned with high-end and industry relevant equipment, athletic fields, twenty-four varsity sports, and a plethora of extra-curricular clubs and activities.
With a passionate faculty and staff, Shawsheen remains committed to its mission: “to provide a positive learning experience in a safe educational environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential, emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, and prepares them for adult life in a competitive world.”
Beyond its traditional academic offerings, Shawsheen Valley Technical School extends its educational reach through Adult Education, Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Community-focused Events, and Summer Programs. The district continually strives to expand its rich and diverse programming, embracing the belief that education is a lifelong, continuous process with numerous paths leading to a successful and fulfilling life.
Shawsheen Superintendent Tony McIntosh congratulates Katherine Craven on receiving the inaugural Charles H. “Charlie” Lyons Award for her exceptional advocacy of vocational education in Massachusetts. (Photo: Allison Cammarata)
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