The St. Ignatius Award
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.
St. Ignatius Award Recipients

Kevin P. Martin, Jr. ’82, P'15, '17
Kevin Martin is a proud husband, father of four, son, deacon, runner, and author. A CPA and business leader, he grew his family’s firm into a nationally respected practice while mentoring professionals and supporting mission-driven organizations. Active in Boston’s nonprofit and faith communities, he advocates for causes that uplift children, families, and immigrants. Since being diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal cancer, Kevin has defied expectations by running marathons, completing triathlons, and even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Through these efforts, he has raised funds for Dana-Farber and continues to inspire others through his service, strength, and resilience.
Click here to watch Kevin Martin's video

Dudney Sylla ’04
A passionate leader in youth advocacy, Dudney Sylla has devoted his career to advancing justice, equity, and mentorship. With a steadfast commitment to creating meaningful change, Dudney focuses on uplifting youth voices, dismantling systemic barriers, and fostering inclusive environments where all young people are empowered to thrive. Grounded in the unwavering belief that every young person possesses inherent dignity, worth, and potential, his approach to justice is shaped by deep listening, lifelong learning, and a commitment to leading with empathy and compassion.
Click here to watch Dudney Sylla's video

Jeremiah F. York ’63
A legendary coach and mentor, Jerry York shaped generations of student-athletes during his record-setting career in college hockey. Early in his career, he guided Bowling Green State University to a national championship. Later, as head coach at Boston College, he led the Eagles to four national titles and became the winningest coach in NCAA hockey history. Beyond the ice, Jerry taught character, teamwork, and academic success, instilling values that extend far beyond the rink. His legacy is one of humility, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to developing young people both as athletes and as individuals.
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The Shields Medal
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, Ed.D.
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.
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Gib Gailius
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.
Click here to watch Gib's Tribute Video!

Margaret M. Florentine

Patricia Casey, Past Trustee
Deborah P. Reed P’04
John H. McCarthy P’94, ’99
The William Kemeza
Global Leadership Award
The William Kemeza Global Leadership Award was established in 2019 to recognize the global vision of William Kemeza, President of Boston College High School from 2004 to 2017. His leadership led to the creation of the first-ever International Colloquium of Jesuit Secondary Education, as well as the establishment of the Hyde Center for Global Education at BC High—both monumental accomplishments that will change the trajectory of Jesuit education for decades to come.

José Alberto Mesa, SJ
Father José Alberto Mesa, SJ is a visionary leader who has dedicated many years to advancing Jesuit education worldwide. As Secretary for Secondary and Pre-secondary Education of the Society of Jesus, he has fostered collaboration, innovation, and holistic formation across Jesuit schools, helping shape students who are globally aware, spiritually grounded, and committed to justice. A native of Colombia with a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley, Father Mesa brings together academic excellence and deep spiritual insight. His enduring commitment to Jesuit values, intercultural dialogue, and the formation of both educators and students exemplifies the spirit of the William Kemeza Global Leadership Award.

Dr. Martin J. Dunn ’53
Athletic Hall of Fame
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.
*Nominations for consideration for the 2026 Hall of Fame will close June 15, 2026.

Congratulations to the 2025 BC High Athletics Hall of Fame recipients.
Click a recipient name below to watch their award video:
Veterans Wall of Honor
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.


John R. Carroll ’86, P’25
David Melville ’57,
Gary D. Rodney ’93
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 J. Ward '53

