Latest news with #DevinSheehan
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Holyoke kicks off Pride Month with flag-raising, honoring the LGBTQ+ community
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – June is Pride Month, a time when communities across western Massachusetts celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community. A ceremonial flag raising was held in Holyoke on Monday, where residents joined local and state leaders to honor the LGBTQ+ community. 'We celebrate pride because it was born in protest. Not in parades. Not in merchandise. But in defiance. Sparked by the brave black and brown trans women, Queer youth, and drag queen–Who fought back at stonewall in 1969,' proclaimed Devin Sheehan, Holyoke School Committee member, and National School Board Association President. A colorful symbol of pride, protest, and inclusion now flies above Holyoke City Hall, a proud sign of the city's commitment to celebrate and uplift its LGBTQ+ community. Mayor Joshua Garcia proclaimed June as Pride Month in Holyoke Monday night, saying, 'We assure you that in Holyoke, you can be who you are because you belong.' State and city leaders spoke on the importance of visibility and representation in a country that they say is more divided than ever. Juan Anderson Burgos with the Holyoke Pride Committee adds, 'You wear these colors and you stand up for those who feel like they can't.' This year's celebration was more than just a flag raising, but a call to action to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender youth. 'We are not going to let anybody in Washington tell us how we treat each other,' adds State Rep. Patricia Duffy. House of Colors member and Youth speaker, Kaycee Valentin, adds, 'In this political climate, we need a lot of support. We are just trying to live our lives.' Keynote speaker Marybel Delgado, Founder of 'Transcending Beyond,' spoke on her journey as the mother of a transgender child and the need for safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Delgado said, 'It's about being protected, it's about being valued. It's about being free. So let this flag be a beacon to every person questioning their worth. You are powerful.' The city of Holyoke, strengthened by its diversity, equality, and hope. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Holyoke school committee member elected President of National School Boards Association
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – A member of the Holyoke School Committee was elected to serve as President of the National School Boards Association (NSBA) for 2025-26. Devin Sheehan was appointed to this national organization's role because of his many years of experience serving on school boards and committees at the local and regional levels. After serving on the Holyoke School Committee from 2010 to 2022, he was appointed as an at-large representative in June 2024. Deerfield to vote on lowering town election age 'Devin Sheehan's election as president of the National School Boards Association comes at a pivotal time for public education. As schools across the country navigate significant federal changes and evolving challenges, we need steady, experienced leadership more than ever,' said Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia. 'His deep roots in Holyoke, his decades of advocacy, and his proven commitment to students make him the leader we need right now. We're proud to see him representing our community on the national stage.' Sheehan has also been part of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), and was nominated as president in 2019. He has actively contributed to the NSBA, chairing numerous board committees and regional nominating committees, and being an advocate for educational equity. In his professional life, Sheehan works as the Chief of Staff to State Senator Jake Oliveira. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. 'It is an incredible honor to serve as president of the National School Boards Association,' Sheehan said. 'As someone who grew up in public schools and has spent my career advocating for students, I know firsthand the power of public education to transform lives. In this role, I remain deeply committed to advancing and protecting our nation's public schools—standing up for equitable resources, supporting our educators, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we will continue to be strong voices for the future of public education.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
