In September of 1990, in honor of the Ignatian Year anniversary celebration, Boston College High School established the St. Ignatius Awards to honor its alumni for their life-long commitment to the service of others.
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.
The 2020 St. Ignatius Awards John R. Carroll ’86, P’25
A committed alumnus and former Trustee, John Carroll has quietly and tenaciously supported BC High’s mission since his graduation. Classmates described him as: “selfless, giving, caring, humble, loving and committed to those around him – the lightning rod that has kept our special group of classmates together after all these years.”
A former Trustee, David Melville was a generous and passionate benefactor of the BC High community. In the fall of 1999, he established the Joan Melville Institute, an annual, intensive two-week professional development opportunity for faculty members. It attracts top-flight scholars, experienced educators, and seasoned consultants to engage with more than a dozen BC High faculty members on topics of interest in education each year. The Melville Institute has been heralded as a transformative program greatly enhancing the ability of teachers to help each student reach his full potential.
A devoted leader and advocate for affordable housing, Gary Rodney served low income families in New York City as Vice President and later, President, of the New York City Housing Development Corporation. Gary worked as the Chairman of CREA, a national organization whose goal is to make affordable housing a reality and he nows serves as managing director, affordable housing, for Tishman Speyer. Gary’s commitment to justice far exceeds charity – focusing on removing the barriers that keep families from thriving.
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.
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.
The 2020 Shields Medal Gilbert Gailius P’11, ’15, ’21, ’24
2019 Recipient
Margaret M. Florentine
2016 - 2017 Recipient
Patricia Casey, Past Trustee
2015 Recipient
Deborah P. Reed P’04
2014 Recipient
John H. McCarthy P’94, ’99
The 2020 William Kemeza Global Leadership Award Lawrence H. Hyde ’42, in memoriam
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.
The BC High Athletic Hall of Fame honors legendary athletes and teams, as well as individuals who have lived the school’s mission and pursue a life of service to others.
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.
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.
