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Lyryn Yacoe



Hi! I’m Lyryn Yacoe.  Both my husband and I are proud graduates of the Coatesville Area School District (class of 2001).  Not only did Coatesville provide me with a wonderful education, it also prepared me for life after high school.   We are now choosing to raise our four wonderful boys in the city where we grew up and continue to love. Our two oldest boys now attend Kings Highway, but attended Friendship Elementary before it closed this past year.   I also proudly own my successful photography business and can honestly say that without my experience at Coatesville, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.  

A good friend of mine likes to remind me ALL THE TIME that “people don’t know, what they don’t know”. The only real way to “know” is to take the time and become informed.  Over the last few years I was  increasing frustrated over the departure of our amazing teachers. Sadly, I learned this was not just happening at Friendship and Kings Highway but all over the district!  As I started to ask questions I realized that most teachers weren’t able to safely speak out.  When they did speak up, (and I have personally witnessed on several occasions)   they faced one form of intimidation  or retaliation.   

Honestly, it’s debatable whether I, in fact, truly didn’t know” or if I just chose not to know… However, when I started to hear on almost a weekly basis that another die-hard Coatesville grad (many dear friends) was choosing to leave the district, sh*t started to get real.  Then, my seven year old son began to exhibit some serious behavioral issues (out of nowhere), not “knowing” was no longer an option.  For me “knowing” was my focus.  Enough was enough, I was jumping in with two feet and not looking back.  I knew I had to help, but I also knew I couldn’t do this alone.  Many advocates in this district were working to restore concerns long before me, however I couldn’t seem to find an organized group working together to fix the growing number of problems.  It became clear, that to be part of an organized group, I would need to create it.  I looked at all the issues of concern in our district and then set out to find others like me who would not only be enthusiastic about the district, but also bring a unique balance of passion, skills, and expertise.  

In January of 2018, I committed to go to every  board meeting.  Through those meetings, I met other like-minded individuals (parents and community members alike) from all walks of life and backgrounds. Each and every one of us had the same vision – Not only did we want to see our own children get the best education and learning experience possible out of Coatesville, but we wanted to ensure that those children who didn’t have anyone advocating for them received the same opportunities our kids received.  To my amazement, most of them were intrigued by my silly idea of a “group.” I’m fairly certain, I didn’t expect many of them to show up when I planned our first meeting - But luckily these people did, and were MY community people! 

This last year and a half has been so empowering and life changing for me.  Together we have successfully organized CCAP, a community based education advocacy group that has a mission to “empowering individuals, teachers, families, and administrators to speak up, get involved, and take action within Coatesville.  Whether it’s facilitating dialogue between teachers and board members or advocating for parents to get the help their child needs, we work with everyone to have his or her voices heard.”  I could not be more proud of the work we are doing and the leadership team behind it.  These are some of the most amazing, hard-working group women and one awesome guy  I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I couldn't ask for a more dedicated, passionate, and skilled team to empower  our community. We truly are all better together – Together we are changing Coatesville!

CCAP – Why we are better together: 
Her dedication to the district and helping bring back the positive aspects from the past while looking forward to the needs in the future is unparalleled. Her team appreciates her thoughtfulness, sassiness, and passion! Her sincerity is unparalleled, and her heart is always looking out for others! 


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