Boston College High School Announces 2024 Recipients of Highest Alumni Honors and Awards
Boston College High School Announces 2024 Recipients
of Highest Alumni Honors and Awards
Boston, MA. (April 4, 2024) – Boston College High School is proud to announce the recipients of the St. Ignatius Awards and the Thomas and Mary Shields Medal. These are the highest honors the school bestows on alumni and community members who demonstrate lifelong commitment to BC High and its mission.
St. Ignatius Awards
This year’s St. Ignatius Award recipients are Paul Dawley Esq. ’81 and Matthew Russell M.D. ’90. As the highest alumni honor, the St. Ignatius Award acknowledges those who have exemplified high moral character and selflessly served the community. Nearly 100 alumni have received the award since its inception and are nominated by their fellow alumni answering the questions: “What is an example of the nominee’s pursuit of ‘doing all things for the Greater Glory of God’” and “How has this person shown a ‘commitment to serve God and His people’ through actions?”
• Paul Dawley Esq. ’81
Throughout his legal career, Chief Justice Paul Dawley has been guided by an unwavering moral compass. In 2013, he was selected to serve as Chief of the District Court – the largest trial department, where he oversaw 158 judges and 62 court houses. His substantial experience as a chief justice, judge, and administrator has shaped the direction of court procedures and processes to center equity, not only in the District Court but for the Trial Court as a whole. Colleagues describe him as having “an abiding commitment to those who serve the public good and a dedication to the principles of fairness and justice.”
Chief Justice Dawley is a humble leader who never backs away from a challenge and continually seeks to improve the judicial system.
• Matthew Russell M.D. ’90
Dr. Matthew Russell’s life and career exemplify a desire for justice and a deep compassion for anyone in need. He currently serves as Medical Director for the Geriatric Medicine Staff at Massachusetts General Hospital and is beloved by a grateful population of aging patients. Dr. Russell’s brilliance, humility, and yearning to improve the field of geriatrics
stems from his community service in his senior year at BC High with the senior community. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Russell is a great participant in and supporter of the arts, particularly the Kevin Kynock Foundation for the Arts, which brings communities without traditional access to the arts to transformative cultural experiences to create a more compassionate and artistic future. The Foundation is named for former BC High English and theater teacher Kevin Kynock.
The Thomas and Mary Shields Medal
The Thomas and Mary Shields Medal was established in 2011 to honor the dedication and commitment of Tom and Mary to Catholic education, and BC High in particular. The award recognizes a non-alumnus member of the community for his or her service, dedication, and generosity to the school, has been awarded to Nicholas Argento Ed.D.
• Nicholas Argento, Ed.D
Dr. Nick Argento exemplifies the very essence of the Shields Medal as a member of the social studies faculty for 40 years. Nick has played an integral role in the formation of thousands of alumni as he has spent a life in service to Jesuit, Catholic education at BC High. For nearly four decades, Nick nurtured freshman student-athletes on the soccer field and baseball diamond. Former players have recalled in detail the lessons learned from their coach but recognized his love for them as students first. His passion for coaching athletics is only surpassed by his commitment to the Model UN Club where he has served as moderator for decades. His guidance and leadership have helped foster the passion and love of politics in countless alumni. In recent years, Nick has grown the Model UN Conference at BC High to welcome nearly 500 students from around the globe. An eternal student himself, Nick recently completed a doctoral program at Creighton University. The BC High community has been blessed to call Dr. Nick Argento one of its own.
“A testament to what is means to be a man for others, this year’s honorees are valuable role models to our young men,” said BC High President Grace Cotter Regan. “The impact of their selfless service to others can be felt here on Morrissey Boulevard and beyond.”
A ceremony honoring this year’s recipients will be held on Thursday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m. in McNeice Pavilion. Alumni are encouraged to attend and can register here.
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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.