BC High Recognizes Alumni and Global Jesuit Leader for Exemplary Service and Leadership

BOSTON, MA – October 22, 2025 — Boston College High School (BC High) proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 St. Ignatius Award and William Kemeza Global Leadership Award during a celebration held on Thursday, October 16, at the McNeice Pavilion. These awards recognize alumni and community members whose commitment to BC High and Jesuit education serves as a model for others.

St. Ignatius Awards

The St. Ignatius Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a BC High graduate, recognizes alumni who live the ideals of the school through moral character, leadership, and service to others. Nominated by their fellow alumni, honorees are selected for exemplifying the Jesuit ideals of doing all things for the Greater Glory of God and demonstrating a deep commitment to their faith through service.

This year’s honorees are Kevin P. Martin, Jr. ’82, Dudney Sylla ’04, and Jeremiah (Jerry) F. York ’63.

  • Kevin P. Martin, Jr. ’82, a CPA, deacon, and community leader, has inspired many through his faith, perseverance, and advocacy for children, families, and immigrants—even as he continues to defy a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis through endurance races and global adventures that raise funds for cancer research. A proud husband and father of four, Kevin’s perseverance and accomplishments inspire others to serve their communities with strength and resilience.
  • Dudney Sylla ’04 is a youth advocate and education leader. Dudney credits BC High with providing the foundation for his career in advancing justice, equity, and mentorship. Dudney’s service to others empowers students and leaders of all backgrounds to thrive through compassion, inclusion, and systemic change.
  • Jeremiah (Jerry) F. York ’63, the winningest coach in NCAA hockey history, is celebrated not only for his record-setting career but also for his legacy of humility, leadership, and a commitment to helping young people grow as athletes and individuals. As head coach at Boston College, he led the Eagles to four national titles and imparted life lessons to generations of student-athletes—teaching teamwork, humility, and perseverance on and off the ice.

The William Kemeza Global Leadership Award

The William Kemeza Global Leadership Award, established in 2019, honors a leader whose global vision reflects the legacy of former BC High President William Kemeza. This year’s recipient is Rev. José Alberto Mesa, SJ, Secretary for Secondary and Pre-secondary Education of the Society of Jesus.

  • José Alberto Mesa, SJ is a native of Colombia and a global champion of Jesuit education. He has advanced collaboration, intercultural understanding, and holistic formation among Jesuit schools worldwide. Creating in-person and international connections, Father Mesa’s work is grounded in his enduring commitment to academic excellence, spiritual insight, and students.

“These men embody the very best of our Jesuit mission—faithful leadership, courage in adversity, and a deep commitment to serving others,” said Grace Cotter Regan, President of Boston College High School. “Their lives remind us that being ‘men for others’ is not just a call to action—it’s a way of being in the world. We are deeply proud to honor them as members of our BC High community.”

The ceremony celebrated the achievements and enduring influence of each honoree, whose contributions continue to reflect BC High’s mission of forming leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion.

About Boston College High School:

Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men in grades 7 to 12. Founded in 1863, the school enrolls more than 1,400 students from 81 zip codes in eastern Massachusetts. For more information, please visit bchigh.edu.

Contact:
Colleen Carter, Vice President for External Relations

E: ccarter@bchigh.edu P: 617.474.5039