Friends,
The 2021-22 academic year has come to an end but the school remains bustling with activity. I'm eager to share our bi-annual report on our diversity, equity, and inclusion work with you next month. We are taking time to reflect on the year and all we have done to make our school a more inclusive and welcoming community for all students.
May and June were absolutely jam packed with classes, games, shows, concerts, awards, and events. It's hard to capture all the exciting things that have happened. Most recently, we celebrated with the rugby and lacrosse teams as they played in MIAA D1 State Championship games with both teams finishing as runners-up. Terrific spring seasons for all our student-athletes, coaches, and fans!
The highlight for me, each year, is our Commencement ceremony. Donned in their white tuxedos, we celebrated the accomplishments of 284 young men on McCoy Field. And, although their time on Morrissey Boulevard comes to an end, they now join the brotherhood of 15,000 alumni in Boston and beyond. Celebrating with them was the Jubilarian class of 1972. We had a wonderful time together on the evening before commencement. I'm reminded each year at this event that though decades separate their time on Morrissey Boulevard, they are always connected. The joy and excitement they share and the camaraderie on display is palpable.
At the beginning of June, we held a wonderful event which welcomed current and former trustees, alumni, and friends to celebrate the groundbreaking of Murphy Family Stadium. Later in the evening, we honored Dr. Marty Dunn '53 for his years of service to BC High and the Board of Trustees as well. It was a really special day for BC High. At the final Board of Trustee meeting of the year, I shared a Mission Moment about my transformational experience on the Ignatian Pilgrmage. It may have been a few months ago, but it truly has had a profound effect on me. We also voted in two new Trustees who will begin their terms on July 1. Paul Donato '95 and AJ Okereke '10 are both deeply committed to our mission and eager to be a part of the Strategic Plan and the exciting initiatives happening at BC High.
Just a week later, I was pleased to host our first annual service recognition awards. We acknowledged those employees who have been at BC High for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years. Our Jesuit, Catholic mission is alive and well with these committed faculty and staff members. Whether a classroom teacher or a member of the Advancement team, these folks engage our students on a deeper level and provide the foundation for the work we do to form our young men each day. We also said goodbye to three faculty members, Sharon Bilodeau (37 years), Bob Lynch '67 (15 years), and Sheila Fisher (10 years) who retired after a life of service to teaching and forming students. Click here to watch a video of their time at BC High.
Lastly, I'd like to thank, in a particular way, Jon Bartlett '87, Charlie Drane, and Nelson Miranda '92, P'16, '18 who will be moving on from BC High this month. More to share on Jon, Charlie, and Nelson next month but in the meantime, I want to share how grateful I am for their commitment to BC High and the students and alumni that they have served. These three men exemplify humility and servant leadership. They have cared for and devoted their lives to living out our Jesuit mission. They will be missed deeply and will always have a home at 150 Morrissey Boulevard. Thank you, Jon, Charlie, and Nelson!
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P.S. The end of our fiscal year is June 30! Click here to see if you've made a gift to support our students. If you haven't, there is still time! Visit www.bchigh.edu/give! |
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Farewell to the Class of 2022 |
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On Saturday, May 21, more than 2,000 members of the BC High family were on hand to honor the 284 graduates and their accomplishments, celebrate their resiliency, and reflect on the lasting legacy and impression these young men will leave on the school and their peers.
We were pleased to welcome Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun, a renowned scholar in linguistics and an internationally-respected – and highly sought after – proponent of the value of a global, experiential education. In his remarks, President Aoun challenged the graduates to "embrace flexibility" as they explore their futures in unexpected ways. He encouraged them to learn and grow outside of the traditional academic setting because “what happens in the classroom isn’t the most important part of college. It’s the complete experience that counts.” Of their Jesuit education he reminded them, "the world needs you.”
The BC High Class of 2022 excelled in all aspects of their education, culminating in graduates being accepted to more than 350 colleges and universities across the country and globe. Of those seeking higher education, 35 percent will continue their Jesuit education at 11 different Jesuit colleges and universities. In addition, two graduates received full tuition, merit-based scholarships, and eight others will attend Ivy League institutions. Three graduates will proudly enter ROTC programs, and one will enter the United States Coast Guard Academy.
This class has endured so much during the pandemic, bonding over computers, in classrooms and performing arts spaces, and on athletic fields. Through it all they’ve forged lifelong friendships, explored their faith, committed to serving others, and developed their own vision for the future that is sure to feed their curiosity and fuel their spirit. I know they will be leaders for their generation.
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Murphy Family Stadium Groundbreaking & Annual Trustee Dinner |
We were thrilled to welcome John V. Murphy '67, P'98 and his family for a terrific event to break ground on the new stadium bearing the family name. Over 100 guests celebrated the historic occasion. On hand were also families that have made gifts to support the Murphy Family Stadium Campaign. We are grateful for their support of our student-athletes and families and their fidelity in our school.
Following the event, current and former members of the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Advisory Council, among others, came together for our annual dinner and to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Marty Dunn '53 and all he's done for BC High.
We're thrilled to share that construction for Murphy Family Stadium and phase 1 of the Campus Master Plan will begin within the next several weeks.
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After a year of planning, deliberating, reflecting, and discerning, the House System at BC High was officially launched on the last day of classes. Students received an email with their designated House in the morning and then they gathered in McNeice Gym for the missioning. During the moving ceremony, each of the 12 Houses was missioned, with the Heads of House and House Captains sharing with the community their House Patron, the mission of their House, and they welcomed the rising 8th graders, by name, to their House. It was special to bear witness to each House standing together, as one, and celebrating their Patron and House leadership. We are thrilled to share more details of the House System in the fall! To read about each of the 12 Houses and Patrons, please visit the House System page.
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Join Our All-School Read This Summer |
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I'm excited to share that the All-School Read Committee chose Dragon Hoops, a graphic novel written by Gene Luen Yang for this year’s All-School Read.
The book tells the story of a Catholic high school’s basketball team and their journey to winning the state championship. We believe this book will appeal to both enthusiastic & reluctant readers alike.
The themes of defining one’s Identity and the importance of taking risks, among others, are ones that will also be explored in mentor groups with the launch of the House System in the fall.
I'd like to thank the committee for choosing a book that is relatable and relevant for our whole community. I hope you'll join us in reading this wonderful book this summer!
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The generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends is never lost on me. We have the most remarkable network that gives their time, talent, and treasure to ensure that BC High continues to educate young men in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.
Over the last few weeks, our G.O.L.D. (Graduates of the Last Decade) alumni participated in the Jesuit Schools Challenge. Though they came up short, we know we'll beat Georgetown Prep next year!
Just this week, our community answered the call and helped raise nearly $340k with the Board of Trustees Challenge. I am grateful to Fr. McFarland, Board Chair, and all the Trustees for recognizing the Board's impact and how it truly helps the Fund for BC High and reaching the $4.1 million goal. There's still time -- our fiscal year ends next week on June 30.
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On May 16, we were joined by over 120 alumni, parents, and friends for our annual Golf Classic at Wollaston Golf Club in Milton. It was a terrific day for BC High!
Special thanks to our generous sponsors who helped make this a memorable event!
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BC Hire: Career Connections |
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BC Hire Career Connections has become a terrific program for our young alumni. This year, we have welcomed back alumni speakers to in-person luncheons for our current students as well. These programs help strengthen the alumni network and set BC High apart from other schools.
BC Hire Career Connections supports BC High’s current students and young alumni in securing meaningful summer jobs and internships, laying the groundwork for career success. Many of these internship opportunities are provided by the powerful BC High Alumni Network and our highly engaged parent community, while others are offered by firms in Greater Boston.
For more information, contact Kenny Delino '16, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, kdelino@bchigh.edu or visit the BC Hire page.
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Fr. Predmore, SJ Offers a Summer Book Review |
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Special thanks to Fr. John Predmore, SJ for offering a wonderful opportunity to engage with alumni, parents, and friends to read and review “Faith and Evolution” by Roger Haight, SJ.
Fr. John Predmore, SJ leads a discussion during June and July on the questions raised by science and revelation about creation, the end times, and the role of science and faith in the dialogue. During July, NASA will receive the first satellite images from the James Webb Space Probe to show us parts of the universe previously unseen. This discussion will examine challenging questions posed by both disciplines.
Fr. Haight examines the way scientists and theologians question reality, and he lays out how one person can live critically in the two domains of science and Christian revelation, and at the same time give credible witness to coherence of the Christian faith.
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Our alumni team has been busy with events this spring! A few photos from our Alumni Basketball Tournament and our 60th Reunion! |
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Save the Date for Upcoming Alumni & Parent Events! |
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July
- Class of 1952 Reunion, July 13
October
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Alumni Homecoming & Family Weekend, October 22-23 -- We will also be celebrating the reunion Classes of 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017
November
- Hall of Fame, November 22
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Summer Starts at BC High! |
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Roll up your sleeves this summer and join us on Morrisseey Boulevard! Boys and girls, grades 5-12 from Boston and beyond can take their pick from Sports Camps, Academic Courses, Middle School Enrichment Courses, and Specialty Programs alike.
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| Boston College High School | 617.474.5001 | www.bchigh.edu |
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