OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Tom Lynch, a cherished educator and drama coach, was honored on Saturday in a heartfelt dedication ceremony, naming the Oshkosh West High School theater after him.
It was a celebration of the lasting impact Lynch had on the Oshkosh Area School District and community.
For nearly three decades, from 1972 to 2001, Lynch captivated and inspired generations of students through his passionate teaching of English, forensics, and drama.
His extraordinary commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence, and excellence has left an indelible mark not only on his students at Oshkosh West.
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Barbara Herzog, a member of the Oshkosh Area School District School Board, expressed her delight in the decision to name the theater after Lynch.
“To name this facility for Tom Lynch was a pleasure because his name was synonymous with quality and excellence,” she stated.
Tom Lynch, reflecting on the honor, expressed gratitude to his family and fondly remembered Room C-29, the “little theater that could.” He remarked, “I would like to thank, really of course, my first and last wife, Dave, my oldest and youngest son, who arranged this honor. But lest we forget, good old C-29.”
Among those whose lives were transformed by Lynch’s teachings is Jennifer MacLean, a graduate of Oshkosh West Class of 1990, who went on to pursue a successful career in Hollywood.
“It was a life-changing experience to meet Tom Lynch when I was 13 years old,” she recalled. “It made you feel like you could do anything if Mr. Lynch thought you could do it. Because of him, I went on to have a great career in stand-up and as a television writer.”
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In a heartfelt message to Lynch, MacLean echoed the words he often imparted to his students: “You’re loved, you’re confident, you can do it, and here’s some popcorn.”
The dedication of The Tom Lynch Little Theater holds profound significance for Lynch’s family, who understand that teaching was more than just a job for him.
His son, Dave Lynch, shared, “My father spent a lot of long hours in here during the school year and also nights and weekends with performances in the fall, winter, and spring.”
Dave Lynch, who began his own career as a high school counselor at Oshkosh West during his father’s final year as an educator, gained a unique perspective on the connections his father formed with students.
“To be able to see him connect in these ways from my perspective as his son, but then as an educator, was really special,” he reflected.
Beyond his dedication to his students, Tom Lynch’s impressive accomplishments include the following:
- Directing 35 three-act plays and 32 one-act productions, never repeating a show to ensure each cast had unique roles.
- Induction into the Wisconsin High School Theater Hall of Fame in 2011.
- Eight Critics’ Choice Awards, 23 All-State Recognitions, and 12 Director Awards in state competitions.
- Leading forensic teams to consistent top-five status statewide and several state championships.
- Receiving the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association William Hintz Award for 18 consecutive years of team excellence.
- Being named Oshkosh Area School District’s 1992 High School Teacher of the Year.
- Recognition as a USA Today Teacher of the Year in 2000.
He taught his theater students to strive for happiness and success, having them regularly perform outreach at assisted living centers and conducted acting and puppetry workshops for elementary and middle school students.
As the Oshkosh West community gathered to honor this remarkable educator, the legacy of Tom Lynch will continue to inspire future generations in The Tom Lynch Little Theater.
