Friends,

Today was a particularly beautiful day on the Boulevard. The sun's rays are shining, and the waters of Savin Hill Cove are sparkling. As we begin to shake off the collective chill of winter, we can feel the swell of growing optimism and excitement promised with every spring. This energy has been palpable in our hallways these past few weeks as we have brought every grade together for a Class Day devoted entirely to them filled with fun activities, reflection, and bonding. I am particularly excited to have all of our seniors in the Class of 2021 back on campus this Friday as they prepare to graduate.

There's much to be excited about beyond our campus as well. More than 100 members of our community participated in the AISNE "Go Beyond an Awareness of Racism" program with Ibram X. Kendi, continuing our ongoing anti-racism work. And, as you will read in this update, the Shields Center for Innovation continues to drive conversations about the future of education and entrepreneurship. On the national level, BC High continues to be recognized as a leader in our educational response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was recently featured in America Magazine on our pedagogical philosophy, and what it takes to form good men here at BC High.

Catholic schools are receiving a great deal of praise on the local and national stages for our ability to adapt to the changes and challenges of this past year. But this reality is nothing new to those of us familiar with the gift of a Catholic school education. Our ability to pivot was based on foundational truths that have long permeated the education we provide: first-rate resources and opportunities paired with a deep, community-based commitment to our students. I was invited to speak about these factors on a panel hosted by the Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research promoting their new book, “A Vision of Hope – Catholic Schooling in Massachusetts." You can view a recording of the conversation below - it truly was a celebration of the wonderful work our schools are doing. I remain grateful as always to be your partner in this mission.

AMDG,

Grace Regan P'12

Thank you to everyone who attended our second Shields Center for Innovation panel earlier this month! These conversations have been an incredible success framing and inspiring the work the Shields Center will accomplish with our students, while also serving as a lightning rod for our broader community of alumni, parents, and friends. If you missed our second panel, a recording is available below:

After these two successful speaking events drawing together some of the brightest minds in Boston and beyond, I am excited to announce the launch of the inaugural Shields Innovation Challenge! Students are invited to submit a creative solution to a problem that the residents in the City of Boston are facing. The solution might be a partnership, a nonprofit, a technological solution, or something else entirely.

 

This competition, open to students in grades 7-12, will take place in teams (3 or 4 students). At least one student on each team must be a resident of the City of Boston.

 

The challenge has two phases: an initial proposal (due March 26) and a final presentation to a panel of expert judges with experience in the realm of innovation (during the week of April 26). Along the way, students will receive coaching from an alumnus or faculty member of the BC High community. We will be sure to keep the community updated as the challenge progresses.

We are thrilled to welcome BC High students and students from schools across the state to experience our Sports Camps, Academic Courses, Middle School Enrichment Courses, and Specialty Programs. As with all things we do on Morrissey Boulevard, safety is our highest concern, and we will comply with all guidelines from the State of Massachusetts and the CDC.

In a spring season quite unlike any other, we have runners and wrestlers in McNeice Gym, and football drills on Cotter Field. After a lifetime of cheering for BC High football teams, I never thought I would say this in March - but it's game week! Our Eagles will kickoff their season at Xaverian Brothers High School this Friday at 5:00 p.m. Follow BC High Athletics on Twitter to stay updated and receive Livestream links for away games. Follow us on Facebook or Livestream for a full slate of home games:

Arrupe v. St. John’s Prep 10:00 a.m.

Freshman v. St. John’s Prep 1:00 p.m.

Varsity v. St. John’s Shrewsbury 12:00 p.m.

JV v. St. John’s Shrewsbury 3:00 p.m.

Varsity v. Catholic Memorial 12:00 p.m.

JV v. Catholic Memorial 3:00 p.m.

Arrupe v. Xaverian 10:00 a.m.

Freshman v. Xaverian 1:00 p.m.