It has been only 12 years since William Driscoll, Jr. graduated from BC High, but since then he has committed his time every day to serving those in need, and working “ad majorem Dei gloriam” for the greater glory of God.  His commitment to serving others may have started at BC High, but the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 inspired Bill to dedicate his full attention to helping others.  After Katrina demolished the Gulf Coast, Bill left his home in Massachusetts to volunteer and start a non-profit organization called Persevere Disaster Relief to help the residents of Biloxi, Mississippi.  He recruited and organized over 450 volunteers from 30 states who donated more than 27,000 volunteer hours and one million dollars in labor savings to the people of the Gulf Coast.  In the true spirit of charity, 100% of the funds Bill raised went directly for the recovery effort rather than a personal salary.  Bill merged Persevere Disaster Relief with All Hands Volunteers and became the Director of US Operations.  As Director he had organized more than ten major disaster relief efforts in the United States including tornados in Arkansas and Massachusetts, as well as floods in Iowa and New York.  Currently, Bill is the Executive Director of NECHAMA and is stationed in Hoboken, NJ leading recovery and rebuilding efforts for Hurricane Sandy. Daniel Vannoni ’01, a classmate who nominated Bill Driscoll, Jr. summarizes Bill’s accomplishments by stating; “Service was one of St. Ignatius’ primary pillars, and is a tenant embraced by the Society of Jesus.  Bill Driscoll, Jr. is a man of service and gives himself entirely to the community he serves each and every day”.

 

 It is a rare occasion when four sons, all graduates of Boston College High School, are able to nominate their father for the St. Ignatius award. Such is the case of John H. (Jack) MacKinnon. “Our father’s strong character is undeniable.  He has served in many ways, for many years, quietly and without expectation of recognition or reward.  His humility is such that we, his children have to find out about his service and charitable endeavors through others.  He does what the does because it is in his heart to do so.”  Throughout his demanding professional career as a partner at a multi-national accounting firm in Boston, Jack always found time to serve his community.  As a Eucharistic Minister, Jack would visit a local nursing home to bring the Eucharist to each Catholic resident and spend time with them and their families.  Jack, for many years, has been a member of the Sovereign Military order of Malta to serve the poor and sick.  He has made many pilgrimages to Lourdes, France with sick and handicapped patients who make their pilgrimage with hopes of spiritual renewal and healing. Jack has donated his expertise and time to BC High as a Trustee and Trustee Associate, Catholic Charities of Boston, Nativity Preparatory School, Emmanuel College, Laboure College, Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, Boston College, Notre Dame Academy, The Oblates of the Virgin Mary, St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine, Catholic Schools Foundation, and the New England Province of Jesuits.

 

 As Chief of Orthopedics at Cardinal Cushing Hospital (now Good Samaritan) in Brockton, Dr. William Sullivan tended to his patients with the same charitable kindness with which he approaches the rest of his life. Now retired, Bill and his wife Sue are involved full time in charitable acts.  Together they have opened their home to unwed expectant mothers, and converted their living room into a hospice for a terminally ill priest during his final months of life.  Bill’s dedication as a “man for others” not only is still present at 80 years old, but continues to grow stronger every day. Bill Sullivan, Jr. recalls “My father really has lived the lessons given to him at BC High.  There have been thousands of contributions, most of them quiet and in the background to help the poor, the church, and the community.  But when you add up all the actions, it is a life well lived and one that has made quite a difference.”  Bill’s long history of charitable work is present in many organizations including St. Vincent De Paul Society, where he serves as President, Massachusetts Hospital School, Catholic Charities where the food pantry in Brockton bears the Sullivan’s name, South Shore Hospice Association, and the Canton Council on Aging.  Dr. Sullivan often travels to Haiti to lend his medical services to the impoverished community.  

 

Mary Madden was one of the first female teachers at BC High, a true pioneer, embracing the necessary hard work and tough love that teachers often mix together to educate their students.  Mary’s time at BC High spans 36 years, but her commitment didn’t end on her retirement from the classroom. She worked in the Admissions office welcoming future alumni into the school and continues her dedication to BC High voluntarily in the Advancement office. Principal Steve Hughes ’73 best sums up Mary’s contributions to BC High “Mary Madden was simply the best classroom teacher at BC High.  She could teach all levels of math to all levels of students, but she was always partial to those students who struggled.  She never gave them a free pass, but she did whatever it took to get them to be competent in mathematics.  She did it with a firm insistence on hard work and belief in their ability.  Hundreds, perhaps thousands of young men owe Mary a great debt for not only getting them though high school algebra, but for teaching them the life lessons of hard work and a belief in oneself.”