Patrick O'Connor

Today, as we commemorate Juneteenth, we honor a pivotal moment in American history and recognize the enduring journey toward freedom and equality. This day serves as a reminder of the resilience, courage, and hope demonstrated by those who persevered through injustice. We reflect on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing news of emancipation to enslaved people, and we acknowledge both the progress made and the hardships endured.

Let's continue to appreciate the meaning of freedom while remembering the lessons of this significant chapter in our nation’s history.

Students from East, Foster, Plymouth River, and South Elementary Schools gathered at the Old Ship Church last week to engage in the annual third grade mock town meeting. Students practiced civic engagement by drafting and presenting warrant articles on topics of interest such as access to bike trails, increased recess time, and the need for additional traffic lights.

Having these students participate in a Mock Town Meeting teaches them how to advocate for themselves in their community. This was a great job done by all, and can’t wait to see them participate in local government down the line.

Over the weekend, I attended the 13th Annual Hull Pride Celebration, 'Freedom by the Sea,' held at Hull Yacht Club and hosted by Hull Pride Incorporated. Last year, I secured Hull Pride $10,000 in the FY26 Senate Budget to support the work that this non-profit does for members of our community.

Hull Pride's purpose is to strengthen local community connections through events and outreach that promote diversity, acceptance and inclusion. Illustrative activities include the Pride Celebration, scholarships for graduating Hull High School seniors, and seasonal celebrations.

I always look forward to this event, it is always fun to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month alongside members of the South Shore.

Congratulations to Bill Norton, who I was honored to nominate for the 2026 Commonwealth Pride Awards. He was recognized at a ceremony today at the State House, joined by over 100 other trailblazers within the LGBTQ+ community who have made a lasting impact within their communities all over the Commonwealth.

Bill is an instrumental member of our community here in Weymouth and on the South Shore. His kindness and generosity helped create Kevin for Kids for nearly 17 years. In honor of his late partner, Kevin, Kevin for Kids has collected over 30,000 toys for local children in need. Originally a Toys for Tots drive, his annual toy drive was designated the largest Toys for Tots drive in Massachusetts. Last year, he partnered with the Wonderfund MA which allowed toys, clothing, and every day items to be donated to children in the DCF system.

His work has made an impact on thousands of children and families throughout Massachusetts and he is recognized locally as a positive and caring individual always advocating for acceptance and inclusivity. Thank you for all your incredible work. I am proud to have been able to recognize you today, and to call you my friend.

For 25 years, the Jett Foundation has worked tirelessly to empower individuals and families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To celebrate this milestone, their anniversary gala, the Silver Soirée, was presented by the Emilson Family and Zack Heger Foundation.

The night featured a special tribute recognizing the McSherry Family for their 25 years of vision, courage, and leadership. I was honored to be in attendance and it was an inspiring night.

I'm looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Jett Foundation and thank you for all the impactful work that you do for the South Shore.

We had a fun time celebrating Lynn Howard at her retirement party last week. She has been working for Weymouth Public Schools since 1997 and spent her thirty year tenure at the Murphy School.

Here on the South Shore, we are so lucky to have educators such as Lynn who make such a substantial impact on students in and outside of the classroom.

Congratulations Lynn, and thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication. I wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement.

Applications for the 2026 Annual Low Number Plate Lottery (for standard passenger vehicle license plates) will be available beginning today, Monday, June 15, 2026. You can read more about this here: https://www.mass.gov/2026-annual-low-number-plate-lottery

Massachusetts residents with an active passenger vehicle registration can apply online at the myRMV Online Service Center through 5 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026.

This year, 237 low-number standard passenger license plates will be awarded, including 318, 7575, 8J, 66K, V3 and L99. Winners and alternate winners will be selected using an electronic random number generator and notified by mail.

Entrants will receive a notification from the RMV no later than September 15, 2026, at the email address provided on their application. Lottery winners will also be published on the RMV website no later than September 15, 2026.

Congratulations to Michael Zides and Augustus Jones, who have earned the Eagle Scout rank as members of Scouting America Troop 101 in Marshfield, which is part of the Mayflower Council.

I was happy to join in their ceremony with my colleague Representative Kearney, where we presented them with recognition from the legislature.

Good luck with your future in the Eagle Scout program and great job with all the accomplishments you have achieved so far.

The North River Arts Society, established in 1968, is a nonprofit organization fostering participation and appreciation of the arts at the community level in Marshfield. Scholarships and financial aid are available for both adults and children for their programming. They offer classes and workshops, a Festival of the Arts, Members Show, Focus on Figures Show, Outside the Box- Silent Auction, a Holiday Arts Sale, and Marshfield Pre K-12 Student Art Show and much more.

I'm happy to share that the North River Arts Society has received $4,700 in the Mass Cultural Council FY26 Cultural Facilities Fund grant. The CFF provides capital and planning grants to non-profit organizations, colleges, and municipalities that own or operate facilities primarily focused on the arts, humanities, and sciences.

These awards invest in the acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion, construction, and long-term planning of cultural facilities. I'm confident that this funding will aid the North River Arts Society in continuing their state-of-the-art programming and contributions through art to our community here on the South Shore.

Congratulations to the Duxbury Girls Track Team who secured the 4×400 state title and the first overall MIAA Division 4 girls team state championship in program history just a few weeks ago.

I would like to especially highlight the Girls 4x400-meter relay team.
Maddie MacKinnon, Emma MacDonald, Riley Earle, and Liv Coperine, who captured the first state title for Duxbury girls track in 40 years, posting a school and meet record of 3 minutes and 54.73 seconds in the MIAA Division 4 state championship.

This is not this team’s first time being honored in the Senate chamber, just this last February, Emma, Riley, and Liv were here after securing the first state championship for the Duxbury indoor girls track team in 26 years.

Another great achievement is from Senior Addie Bjorness who took home the individual state title in the high jump, jumping 5 feet, 2 inches, ending her high school career in stellar fashion.

I am proud of the way in which these athletes have represented their school and themselves on a statewide level. Coaches Kathy Earle and Elizabeth Murphy have done an amazing job guiding these students and this team to victory. We will see you back again soon after your next state title!