It was a busy year for the five Centers of Human Excellence. The Centers are at the very heart of our mission, shaping the lives of our students in profound and lasting ways. These Centers provide a unique framework for defining human excellence within our Jesuit tradition, guiding young men to become people of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment. Through the work of the Centers, students are nurtured into spiritual leaders, innovative thinkers, global citizens, and passionate advocates for social justice. The Centers bridge classroom learning with real-world impact, opening doors for students to discover their gifts, deepen their sense of purpose, and take meaningful ownership of their future. Each Center offers a student-driven academic and formational Certificate Program, allowing students—beginning in their sophomore year—to pursue a track that fosters depth and growth not only in the classroom, but also through co-curricular experiences and service to the broader community. For the first year ever, we recognized these students at graduation. In every way, the Centers of Human Excellence are where BC High’s mission comes alive, helping our students become the very best version of themselves for others.

Imago Dei Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Overview:
The Imago Dei Center continued to be a beacon for celebrating and affirming human diversity at BC High. Rooted in Jesuit, Catholic values, the Center fostered a community where every member is respected and empowered, with a focus on justice, equity, and inclusion.

Highlights:

  • Hosted impactful events like the Arrupe DEI Day, MLK Jr. Prayer Service with keynote Ndaba Mandela, and the 55th Annual MLK Jr. Breakfast.
  • Supported 12 students in the W.E.B. DuBois Society at Harvard, nurturing academic and cultural enrichment.
  • Organized the “Stronger Together” Student of Color Retreat, creating a safe space for sharing lived experiences and building solidarity.
  • Launched the inaugural DEI Course Designation program, with 7 students earning certificates and more enrolled for next year.
  • Celebrated cultural heritage through events like Lunar New Year, Dwali, Holi, and the Families of Color Dinner.
  • Strengthened partnerships with Boston College’s Messina College and sent students on the HBCU College Tour.
  • Supported affinity groups (HLA, JSU, BLSU, SARA, Sankofa) in hosting vibrant community events.
  • Provided practical support to students through Freshman Fresh Start and expanded DEI-designated course offerings.

Lawrence H. Hyde ’42 Center for Global Education

Overview:
The Hyde Center brought the world to BC High and BC High to the world, embodying the transformative power of global education. Nearly 30% of students participated in travel, academic, and cultural programs, with a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Highlights:

  • Led 176 students on international and domestic trips to 13 countries, including inaugural journeys to Cape Verde and a renewed China exchange.
  • Supported 83 students with financial aid, ensuring broad access to global experiences.
  • Hosted students from partner Jesuit schools in France and Argentina, deepening intercultural exchange.
  • Launched the Global Certificate Program, with the first cohort of graduates and strong participation from rising juniors and seniors.
  • Facilitated the Hyde Global Scholars program for underclassmen, nurturing future global citizens.
  • Offered a robust speaker series on global issues, climate, immigration, and more, often in partnership with other Centers.
  • Supported language immersion and cultural exchange through the Pope Francis Scholars and other language programs.
  • Participated in academic competitions and virtual summits, and piloted a college-level Global Citizenship course.

Michael D. White ’70 Center for Emerging Leaders

Overview:
The Center for Emerging Leaders inspired students to grow as virtuous, self-aware, and humble leaders, equipping them with practical skills to serve as agents of change. Leadership was woven into every aspect of student life, from the classroom to co-curriculars.

Highlights:

  • Trained 60 House Leaders for Freshmen Orientation and ran engaging events like Freshmen Olympics and New Student Orientation.
  • Hosted monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions with leaders from law, sports, technology, and entrepreneurship.
  • Supported varsity team captains through the Captains’ Club, focusing on communication, morale, and culture-building.
  • Ran the Emerging Leaders Cohort for sophomores and juniors, with 52 participants and 9 junior leaders, emphasizing group culture and practical leadership.
  • Graduated the first cohort of Leadership Certificate earners, integrating academic, experiential, and reflective components.
  • Partnered with BC Hire for resume and interview workshops, preparing students for the workplace.
  • Led the Arrupe Assembly Leadership Team and organized leadership days for 8th graders, fostering leadership skills early.
  • Co-hosted the Student Summit on the Science of Happiness and the Spring Student Expo, celebrating student growth and achievement.

Margarete and John A. McNeice, Jr. ’50, GP’13 Center for Ignatian Identity and Formation

Overview:
Through the generosity of the Margarete & John A. McNeice Foundation, the Center for Ignatian Identity and Formation was named this academic year. The McNeice Center remained the heart of BC High’s Jesuit, Catholic identity, guiding students and adults alike in spiritual growth, service, and reflection. The Center’s programs nurtured compassion, purpose, and a deep connection to God and others.

Highlights:

  • Offered more than 40 programs, including daily prayer, retreats, service immersions, and sacramental life.
  • Led a variety of retreats for all grades, from “Stewards of the Earth” for 7th graders to the transformative Kairos Retreat for upperclassmen.
  • Expanded service immersion trips to new locations like Appalachia, WV, and San Juan, PR, focusing on kinship and dignity for those on the margins.
  • Supported ongoing service projects, including ESL and citizenship classes, the St. Louis Project for homeless outreach, and the Toni Morrison Project for early literacy.
  • Coordinated daily and weekly spiritual practices, all-community Masses, and a new Confirmation program.
  • Provided adult formation through retreats, faith-sharing, and service, supporting faculty and staff in their own Ignatian journeys.
  • Fostered a sense of belonging and purpose for every student, regardless of faith background.

Jack Shields ’79, P’06 Center for Innovation

Overview:
The Shields Center for Innovation empowered students to become action-oriented problem solvers and entrepreneurial thinkers. Through real-world challenges, partnerships, and hands-on learning, the Center cultivated a culture of creativity, resilience, and impact.

Highlights:

  • Designed 200 hours of programming, engaging 532 students in opt-in innovation sessions and supporting 4 student-led initiatives.
  • Established six new traditions, including Student Expos, Innovation Challenges, and Arrupe Innovation Day.
  • Partnered with 68 faculty and 4 co-curriculars, embedding innovation across the curriculum.
  • Hosted 76 expert speakers from diverse fields, connecting students with leaders in business, technology, sports, and public service.
  • Led summits on civics, leadership, happiness, and social innovation, often in partnership with other Centers.
  • Supported hands-on projects like the BC Hives apiary, 3D printing workshops, and the Shields Innovation Challenge.
  • Launched the Innovation Certificate Program, graduating the first two students and enrolling over 20 more.
  • Piloted the Innovation Education Studio for faculty, fostering innovative curriculum development.