The St. Ignatius Award is the highest honor bestowed on a graduate of BC High, acknowledging those who have exemplified the ideals of our school through high moral character and selfless service to the community. Overall, BC High has recognized more than 80 distinguished alumni with this prestigious honor.
Submit a Nomination
Throughout his legal career, Chief Justice Paul Dawley has been guided by an unwavering moral compass. In 2013, he was selected to serve as Chief of the District Court – the largest trial department – where he oversaw 158 judges and 62 court houses. His substantial experience as a chief justice, judge, and administrator has shaped the direction of court procedures and processes to center equity, not only in the District Court but also for the Trial Court as a whole.
Click here to watch Chief Justice Dawley’s video
Dr. Matthew Russell currently serves as Medical Director for the Geriatric Medicine Staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he is treasured by a grateful population of aging patients. Dr. Russell’s passion to improve the field of geriatrics stems from his community service at BC High. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Russell is an enthusiastic participant in and supporter of the arts, particularly the Kevin Kynock Foundation for the Arts, which brings communities without traditional access to the arts transformative cultural experiences that create a more compassionate and artistic future. The Foundation is named for former BC High English and theater teacher Kevin Kynock.
Click here to watch Dr. Matthew Russell video
Click here to watch John’s tribute video!
Click here to watch David’s tribute video!
Click here to watch Gary’s tribute video!
Stephen Hughes ’73, P’98
General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. ’73
James “Jim” Lane ’83
James “Jim” McInnis ’53
John B. “Jack” Dunn ’79
Reverend William P. “Bill” Joy ’64
John F. “Jack” Leonard ’52
Thomas G. Kelley ’56
John S. Normant ’64
Donald F. Ward ’53
The Thomas and Mary Shields Medal is presented to an individual who is not a graduate of BC High but is recognized for his or her service, dedication, and generosity to the school.
Dr. Nicholas Argento has been a beloved member of the BC High faculty for 40 years and he has played an integral role in the formation of thousands of alumni. During his tenure at the school, Dr. Argento has coached freshman student-athletes on the soccer field and baseball diamond. He also served as moderator of the Model UN Club. In recent years, he has grown the club’s conference at BC High to welcome nearly 500 students from around the globe.
A devoted faculty member since 1988, Gib’s presence in the BC High community is a constant source of inspiration. After his wife and fellow Modern Language teacher – the beloved Sheila Becker-Gailius – passed to eternal life following a hard-fought battle with Ovarian Cancer, the Gailius family responded with incredible strength and grace. Gib carried on the Gospel mission of service and compassion that he had so wonderfully shared with Sheila, recently celebrating the establishment of a fully endowed scholarship in her name at BC High. Their legacy is one of the brightest lights of hope in our entire community.
Margaret M. Florentine
Patricia Casey, Past Trustee
Deborah P. Reed P’04
John H. McCarthy P’94, ’99
The William Kemeza Global Leadership Award honors the late Larry Hyde’s belief in the transformative nature of global experiences led him to establish the Hyde Center for Global Education at BC High in 2012, a monumental accomplishment that has changed the very trajectory of Jesuit education. Devoted to preparing leaders in today’s 21st century global society, the Hyde Center has allowed more than 1000 students, faculty, and staff to explore the world through partnerships around the globe.
Athletic Hall of Fame 2023
We hope you will join us on November 26 to celebrate their accomplishments!
If you have any questions, please email Chrissy Dahlheimer P’29, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement at [email protected]
Each inductee has made a significant contribution to the winning tradition of athletics at BC High.
In addition, The James E. Cotter ’55 Courage Award is given in his memory to a member of the community in recognition of their courage in the face of adversity, tenacious spirit, and force of will. The Paul J. Hunter ’53 Man for Others Award is given in his memory to a person who whose sense of service echoes the work of the late Paul Hunter, where duty is anchored in love for the community.
To nominate a BC High graduate for the Hall of Fame, please include a background of athletic accomplishments and character which makes the candidate worthy of consideration. Please know that there are many worthy candidates each year, deserving of recognition in the school’s Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame Nomination
*click each name to watch their video
Marc Thibeault – 1994 – Baseball
Luke Catarius – 2013 – Football
Tennis Doubles Pairing of Bill Stebbins ’95 and Dennis Ryan ’94
The James E. Cotter ’55 Courage Award – Patrick McGee – 1998
The Paul J. Hunter ’53 Man for Others Award – Jack MacKinnon, RIP – 1958
Dedicated on November 9, 2009, the Veterans Wall of Honor at Boston College High School is located on campus in the breezeway corridor between the Hunter-Fahey Commons and Cadigan Hall. It serves as a reminder to all who view it of the sacrifices that so many BC High graduates made for freedom.
The Veterans Wall of Honor was made possible by the generosity of Philip M. Byrne ’58, and is intended to be an educational piece as well as a memorial, the monument traces American military involvement from the school’s founding in 1863 to the present day. Woven throughout the timeline are the personal stories of many of BC High’s own students, faculty, and alumni who fought and died for their country.
Peppered with period photographs culled from the school’s archives, the wall brings to life the stories of these brave men – including several of the school’s Jesuit faculty – who answered the call to serve their country. The accompanying plaque features the names of the 65 BC High alumni and faculty who died while in service in the United States Armed Forces. Their model of selfless service inspires all that we do at BC High.
