Colby-Sawyer College honors retired New London fire chief
Colby-Sawyer College President Dean McCurdy honored newly retired New London fire chief Jason “Jay” Lyon with the school’s 2026 Community Award last month.
Each year, the New London-based college honors a community member, organization or business for contributions made to the school community, according to a news release. Lyon spent 35 years with the department — including 18 as chief — before retiring in March.
“During that time, he collaborated extensively and effectively with the college on fire code compliance, major construction and renovation projects, and ongoing life safety improvements, always keeping student safety at the center of the work,” according to the release.
He participated in preparedness drills at the college, trained college staff and provided leadership during major weather events, including ice storms in 1998 and 2008.
“Over the years, it has recognized individuals and organizations that have shaped this community in extraordinary ways,” Lyon said about receiving the award in the release. “To have my name mentioned alongside theirs is something I never imagined, and it’s an honor I will always treasure.”
Lyon lives in Wilmot, N.H., with his wife, Amy Lyon, an associate professor in Colby-Sawyer’s social sciences department, according to the release.
Hanover High teacher named Society for Science advocate
The Society for Science has selected Hanover High School science teacher Kevin Lavigne for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program.
Lavigne — who has taught at Hanover High School for more than 30 years — will receive $3,000 from the Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization, to assist students interested in pursuing their own research projects and entering science-related competitions, according to a Society for Science news release. He is one of 87 educators from across the country who will participate in the program this school year.
“I am honored to be selected as an Advocate because it expands my ability to connect students—especially those from rural and underrepresented communities—with authentic, high-level STEM research opportunities,” Lavigne, who teaches chemistry, engineering and applied sciences, said in the release. “I am excited to leverage these resources and this community of practice to build a stronger culture of curiosity, persistence and scientific thinking in my classroom and beyond.”
Post-secondary graduations
Madison Connors, of Woodstock, earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island this spring.
School Notes are published in the Monday Valley News as space and time permits. Email academic accomplishments to schoolnotes@vnews.com.
