LEE, Mass. — Longtime teacher, coach and community activist Thomas Cinella was the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lee Chamber of Commerce.

 

Cinella was one of four individuals and one organization who were celebrated at last week's gathering at the Greenock Country Club.

 

"We have the honor of recognizing some outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication, leadership, and generosity make Lee such a remarkable place to live, work, and raise a family," said President Erik Williams. "Each of our award recipients embodies the spirit of community and service that makes our town so special."

 

The awards were presented to Cinella, Ray Murray III, Scott and John LePrevost, and the Lee Lions Club.

 

Cinella, born in Lee in 1941, has joked he'd spent all but the four years he was in college in his hometown. He taught math at Lee High School as well as coaching basketball for 45 years. He has a record of six state championships and 15 Western Massachusetts championships during his 20 years of coaching the girls' varsity team.

 

Outside of school, Cinella served on the Lee Library Board of Trustees, chaired the Sandy Beach Committee, was the town lifeguard, and was involved with the town's playgrounds.

 

"Tom, your name is on the basketball court, and the banners and trophies, and it tells an impressive story. But your greatest legacy is found in the students you encouraged, the players you believed in, and the generations of young people who carry something of what you taught them with them every single day," Williams said. "Lee has been fortunate to have you as a teacher, coach, volunteer, and neighbor."