Featured Alumnus: Michael Lech ’88
Mike Lech ’88 has a lot to thank Avon for. It’s where he discovered his talent and passion for the sport of squash; it’s where educators like Art Custer P'04, '05, '10 helped hone his writing skills; and it’s where stalwart mentors like Kevin Driscoll '72, P'08 and Ken LaRocque H'19, P’01, ’10 gave him the tough love and support to overcome personal struggles.
“My experience at Avon was challenging, but I found it gave me a tremendous amount of structure that I didn’t have before going to AOF,” Mike explains. “A lot of what I learned there has stayed with me even until today.”
He says that above all else, the most meaningful impact Avon had on his life is the founding of lifelong relationships built by the Brotherhood. “To this day, my best friends in this world are the four-year guys I was at Avon with. All of those guys were my brothers then, and they’re my brothers now.”
Although he and his former classmates are eagerly awaiting their 35th reunion this June, he regularly gets together with his friends—guys like Rob Gryboski ’88 and Oliver Wolcott ’88.
“He was a very gregarious, outgoing person and that hasn’t changed,” Gryboski says of Mike. “I just think it’s a testament to the school and how relationships built at the school can still be strong after 35 years.”
Wolcott remembers the exact moment he met Mike. They were both at soccer tryouts their freshman year, and Lech was forced to wear a pair of sunglasses after his other pair of glasses broke. “I remember thinking, ‘Why the hell is this guy wearing sunglasses to tryouts? Is he some kind of rock star?’ But that mystique eventually faded away, and we’ve been dear friends ever since.”
Avon’s role in forging friendships is a major reason why Mike enrolled his son Chase, who is now a senior at the school. Mike says the Brotherhood has only gotten stronger since he graduated. “The Brotherhood, the way it is today, you can take risks and you’ll be supported. It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in or what your focus is—you’re part of the Avon community.”
This means that his son Chase has had an entire community behind him, supporting every decision he makes. He’s been able to play his favorite sports at the highest level, try his hand at new sports for the first time, and has gotten involved with photography and other art forms. Chase has earned notable awards for his photography portfolio and academics, and Mike says this was made possible because the Avon community today makes students feel safe to try something new.
“There’s so many ways a student at Avon can expand. The culture there, it’s a safe place to experiment. That to me is the most valuable thing you can give to a young mind.”
The fact that Mike’s son is now learning from many of the same people that shaped his own development is icing on the cake. This includes the likes of Driscoll, Custer, and David McElheny. McElheny was Mike’s dorm parent and coached Chase in soccer for two undefeated seasons. Driscoll says there are plenty of similarities between Mike and Chase, both were hard-working and positive members of the school community.
“Mike was a popular member of the student body and always willing to help a classmate whenever needed. He was everyone's friend and a real grinder in his approach to all of his endeavors. I am not surprised that he is so successful in life as he has carried so many of the lessons learned at AOF as his guide in becoming a good man,” Driscoll says. “We have been blessed to have Mike's son Chase as a Winged Beaver for the last four years. Chase, like his dad, is not afraid to roll up his shirt sleeves and put all of his efforts into his work in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and as a model citizen. Avon Old Farms has been blessed to have the Lech legacy as a part of who we are as a school and community.”
Mike makes his appreciation for Avon known through more than just his words. He and his family recently established the Lech Family Visual Arts Endowment to support the Visual Arts at AOF and to help Visual Arts Department Chairperson Cristina Pinton continue to inspire students in the same way she did for Chase.
“The arts were so impactful for him. We want to create something we all can be really proud of, and we want to get behind Cristina Pinton.”
Mike also had a hand in setting up a very exciting and engaging Intersession course this past March. As a board member with Mystic Aquarium, Mike connected aquarium staff with Dean of Studies Graham Callaghan ’95, P’25 who took the reins from there. A group of students spent the week of Intersession at the aquarium getting a behind-the-scenes look into animal care, conservation, and marine science. It also included a trip to Avon’s campus for an African penguin.
“It’s a collaboration between two really forward-thinking organizations,” Mike says. “We definitely want to do more. I think there are some exciting programs coming in the future.”
For those that know Mike, it’s no surprise he’s continuing to support his school. “Mike is a passionate guy,” shares Gryboski. “He is passionate about his family, passionate about his work, passionate about his friendships, and passionate about Avon Old Farms. That passion is palpable, unmistakable, and indisputable.”
Mike says he plans to continue to be involved at Avon long after Chase walks through Alumni Gate this spring. “Chase is graduating, but we’re part of the Avon family for life. The only thing more exciting than my son going to AOF would be my grandson going to AOF.”