THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 17, 2024 Page 9 Stolen van recovered from the Saugus River ASKS| FROM PAGE 6 doctoral ceremony as well. It’s impossible not to feel pride and excitement for all of the graduates. While the Chancellor’s group was lining up before our entrance, all of the Vice-Chancellors and the department and college Deans were just beaming and admiring all the work that the students had done. That’s how UMass Lowell is – all of the people on the executive cabinet are really genuine, approachable and want what’s best for students. Nobody takes themselves too seriously. And that’s why I got along so well with them. Q: What about the garT he Massachusetts State Police’s Underwater Recovery Unit joined local police, firefighters and other agencies in an overnight search of the Saugus River last Friday after receiving an emergency 911 call from a driver on Ballard Street who reported seeing taillights in the water. Police said a vehicle went into the Saugus River in the area of the lobster landing and the bait shop near the Foxhill Bridge. Police found a stolen van at about 7 a.m. Friday, but there was no body in the van. A search continued for several hours after the van was located. Members of the search party reported that visibility was poor in the murky waters. CHALLENGES | FROM PAGE 8 learned about the Navigators Club, which advocates for students who have followed a less traditional path to college and need additional support. He decided to get involved, and “it snowballed from there,” he says. He eventually became club president, coordinating activities like a donation drive for personal care items for students in need. Hogan, who says he is someone who thrives on a jampacked schedule, also started a book club on campus and did internships with U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan and with the Merrimack Repertory Theatre. And he took advantage of two study abroad opportunities through the Honors College, traveling to Madrid and London for the courses. Israelson is continuing in the Bachelor’s-to-Master’s program in the Manning School and expects to have his MBA by next spring. Hogan is looking for a ments you are wearing in your graduation day photo? A: Two gold cords for Magna Cum Laude. Two red cords for my distinction in Leadership. I chose to tailor part of my degree and extracurriculars and had to write reflections on each of these experiences. Two Silver and Navy for my induction to the First Generation Honor Society (Tri-Alpha); one black, light blue and white for my induction to the National Leadership Honor Society (Omicron Delta Kappa [or ODK]). I was given one stole to indicate my Chancellor’s Medal, one “Student Leader” stole for serving on a club E-Board, one stole for being an ODK member, and the last stole is for being a member of the River Hawk Scholars Academy; it’s a university department that promotes and supports First Generation students. (It’s university/faculty run; different from a student club). It’s fun putting it all on but you feel a bit ridiculous – like Cher or Elton John or something – very different from the jeans and quarter zip that I typically wear to Town Meeting. Q: Please tell me about the Chancellor’s Medal you received. A: The University gives out medals to graduating stuASKS | SEE PAGE 12 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD Divers and members of the Mass. State Police’s Underwater Recovery Unit used inflatable devices to retrieve a van submerged in the Saugus River. (Courtesy Photos to The Saugus Advocate by Charlie Zapolski) job and plans to apply to law school down the road; he’s interested in civil rights or intellectual property law. This year, Hogan and Israelson, both 22, are embracing all the Commencement festivities that they missed out on four years ago. Hogan’s family has rented out a hall for a joint celebration for him and his sister, who is graduating from high school. Israelson has two graduation parties planned. Looking back on the strange start to their college years, both Hogan and Israelson agree there were positives to come out of it. Both say those lonely and difficult months of isolation prompted them to take advantage of every opportunity when things opened back up. “We got through it. I grew up. I started taking care of myself. I gained independence,” Israelson says. “It made me grateful, so I didn’t take my college experience for granted,” says Hogan. * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping
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