These two BAHS members were recognized for their contributions to the Brighton area. They were inducted into the Brighton Area Women’s History Roll of Honor at a recent ceremony held at the Brighton District Library. The first Brighton area celebration of women’s accomplishments took place in March of 2002.
Kate Lowry is a lifelong resident of Brighton, a 1975 BHS graduate and a supporter of the Larry Lawrence Scholarship Fund. Kate has been a member of LACASA’s Board of Directors since 1999 serving on the resource and community relations committee, was Honorary Chair of the 2000 “Raise the Roof” Capital Campaign to build a new facility, was one of the first Mission Partner’s founded 15 years ago, and has chaired several successful fundraising events requiring months of planning and committee direction. In 2016, LACASA awarded Kate the “Mission Possible” award for fundraising. A founding member of the Brighton Area Schools Alumni Association Board, Kate planned numerous events and helped fund raise for the Alumni Room. Kate played an integral role in fundraising for the 1994 Imagination Station build. Active with the Arc of Livingston, Kate was awarded the 2013 ARC Angel Award for her years of dedication to people with disabilities. Kate has shared her talents and time to Love INC, Livingston County United Way, Work Skills Foundation, and VINA Dental Center.
Lynn A. Strong and her family have deep roots in the Brighton area: her great-grandmother Haidee Brady was one of the first two women to vote in Michigan in 1919, her grandfather owned the Main Street grocery store JA Brady’s in the 1930, and her father, Charles Brady, was a 1941 Brighton High School graduate and Director of the Milford GM Proving Grounds. Lynn has served on the Board of the Brighton Area Historical Society (BAHS) since 2014 and her contributions have significantly affected its success, including managing the Past Perfect inventory program of BAHS archival materials, coordinating programs and archival for Lyons School, organizing the Fourth of July parade entries, constructing historical costumes for events, and key leader with the City of Brighton’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. Serving as a Scout leader for nine years at Lindbom Elementary, Lynn volunteered and was active with Authors’ Day, the Carnival, and many activities at the school. Lynn was instrumental in locating information about Haidee Brady and Charlotte Mellus (two of the first women to vote in Livingston County) when the Roll of Honor and the BAHS celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote in 2019. Lynn is a member of the Pleasant Valley Women’s Social Club. As the 2024 City of Brighton Arts, Culture, and History Center (CoBACH) Chair, Lynn coordinates events between the City, BAHS, and the Art Guild after volunteering and serving as Greeter for several years.