Boston College High School
Boston College High School | |
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Address | |
150 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, Massachusetts, Suffolk County, 02125 United States | |
Coordinates | 42°18′58″N 71°2′47″W / 42.31611°N 71.04639°WCoordinates: 42°18′58″N 71°2′47″W / 42.31611°N 71.04639°W |
Information | |
Type | Private |
Motto |
"Ut Cognoscant Te"[1] (So they may know You.) |
Religious affiliation(s) | Roman Catholic |
Established | 1863 |
Founder | John McElroy, SJ |
Oversight | Board of Trustees |
President | William Kemeza |
Principal | Stephen Hughes |
Vice principal |
Charles Drane, Robert Hamblet, Michael Brennan |
Faculty | 120 (approx.) |
Grades | 7–12 |
Gender | Boys |
Enrollment | 1,600 (approx.) (2010) |
Student to teacher ratio | 13:1 |
Campus size | 40 acres (160,000 m2) |
Color(s) | Maroon and Gold |
Athletics | MIAA Division 1 |
Athletics conference | Catholic Conference |
Sports | MIAA Division 1 |
Mascot | Eagle |
Team name | Eagles |
Rivals | Catholic Memorial, St. John's Prep, Xaverian |
Accreditation | New England Association of Schools and Colleges[2] |
Publication | The Botolphian (literary magazine) |
Newspaper | The Eagle |
Yearbook | Renaissance |
Endowment | $50+ million |
Affiliation | Jesuit |
Alumni | 15,000+ living |
Academic Dean | Tom Smith |
Dean of Students | Hollis Brooks |
Admissions Director | Jim Nicoletti |
Athletic Director | John Bartlett |
Website | http://www.bchigh.edu |
Boston College High School (also known as BC High) is an all-male Jesuit Roman Catholic college preparatory secondary school founded in 1863 with historical ties to Boston College. It has an enrollment in grades 7-12 of approximately 1,600 students and is located on a 40-acre (160,000 m2) campus on Morrissey Boulevard in the Dorchester section of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. A graduate of BC High who goes on to Boston College is known as a "Double Eagle." If he then goes on to Boston College Law School, he is then known as a "Triple Eagle."
History
On March 31, 1863, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approved a charter for the incorporation of Boston College. Fr. Johannes Bapst, SJ, was selected first president and presided over the original grounds on Harrison Avenue in Boston's South End. For most of its early history, BC offered a singular 7-year program corresponding to both high school and college. Its first entering class of 22 students ranged in age from 11 to 16 years. The curriculum was based on the Jesuit Ratio Studiorum, emphasizing Latin, Greek, philosophy and theology. While BC's mission, as articulated by founder Fr. John McElroy, SJ, was to "educate pupils in the principles and practice of the Catholic faith," its founding documents reflect the historical realities of the time. The great influx of immigrants to Boston in the nineteenth century corresponded with growing anti-Catholic sentiment among the city's aristocratic elite. As a result, BC's charter was revolutionary for its time in stating that "the profession of religion will not be a necessary condition for admission to the College."
By the start of the 20th century, BC's enrollment had reached nearly 500. Expansion of the South End buildings onto James Street enabled increased division between the high school and the college. The 1907 purchase of farmland for a new college campus in Chestnut Hill allowed BC High to fully expand into the South End buildings, though it remained a constituent part of Boston College until 1927 when it was separately incorporated. Nonetheless, traditional ties between BC High and BC have survived, and Boston College remains a leading destination for BC High graduates. Alumni who graduate from both institutions are called "Double Eagles" (with "Triple Eagles" going on to Boston College Law School).
Following the Great Depression, BC High was characterized by increasing enrollment and aging facilities. By the 1940s, the South End buildings proved inadequate once again. Overcrowding and a demand for athletic fields led President Fr. Robert A. Hewitt, SJ, to purchase 70 acres (28 ha) on Columbia Point, in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester in 1948, a move that was controversial at the time. At a cost of $240,000, critics warned that BC High would be abandoning its city roots and moving to an undeveloped part of the city. But Father Hewitt had a vision, and he dreamed of "a modern high school with a full range of scholastic facilities, including science laboratories, and a library; the necessary ecclesiastical facilities, including a Jesuit faculty residence and a church; a wide range of athletic facilities, including a gymnasium, field house, and outdoor areas for a variety of sports, both interscholastic and intramural, and areas for general recreation, faculty walks, parking and campus landscaping."
Father Hewitt's dream began to see fruition in 1950, with the opening of McElroy Hall and the relocation of the junior and senior classes to the new campus. By 1954, the entire student body had moved to Columbia Point, though members of the Jesuit Community remained at the South End Residence until 1957. In that year, Loyola Hall, the new Jesuit residence, was completed. Successive building campaigns saw the opening of the Walsh Hall Science Center in 1965, the Student Training, Athletic and Recreation Complex (S.T.A.R.) in 1975, Corcoran Library in 1997, and the multi-use McNeice Pavilion in 1988. William J. Kemeza is the current president of Boston College High School. He was the founder of BC High's Renaissance Campaign.
"Renaissance" Campaign
BC High completed a 63,000-square-foot (5,900 m2) addition in the spring of 2005. The project included a new state-of-the-art science building, new administrative offices, a new cafeteria, and a general commons. Afterward, during the fall of 2005, President William J. Kemeza announced "Renaissance: The Campaign for Boston College High School," a $40 million fundraising effort. The campaign raised over $51 million at its conclusion in June 2008. As part of the campaign, the school underwent a $12.5 million renovation project which included the renovation of the Cushing, Walsh and McElroy buildings. The Corcoran Library has also been updated with the addition of a "Great Books Room", which alone is said to have cost $500,000. The same $12.6 million has also been used for an outdoor space with new entrance gates, a new road through campus, a second synthetic turf athletic field, and multi-purpose open spaces including plazas, athletic fields, and gardens. With the commencement of the 2007-2008 school year, the new performing arts center, the Bulger Center (formerly Dever Auditorium), will be available for use by BC High's numerous performing groups, as well as for small school functions.
Traditions and Events
Boston College High School has many traditions including:
- Freshman Olympics
- Kairos Retreats
- Ignatian Awards- Alumni awards for those who do service without being recognized
- Thanksgiving Football Rivalry with Catholic Memorial High School
- Hockey vs CM often held at Boston College or Fenway Park in 2012
- Good Friday Walk
- Service trips to the Dominican Republic and Camden, NJ
- Freshman Declamation- Each freshman remembers 25+ lines of The Odyssey by Homer and recites them to the class. The best one from each class presents his declamation in front of the school, where faculty picks the winner.
- Sophomore Declamation- Each sophomore remembers an American Poem and recites it to his class. The best from each class advances to the school final.
- Exalauno Day "March Forth"- On Every March 4, the BC High Classics Department holds a declamation for students studying Greek or Latin.
Grades 7 and 8
On January 11, 2006, BC High announced the addition of a seventh and eighth grade to its high school program beginning in September 2007.[3] These classes are conducted in the newly renovated Walsh building. These grades are in addition to the traditional 9-12 grade system and is known as the Arrupe Division.[4] The name Arrupe comes from the late Father Pedro Arrupe, who was a notable missionary, and an influential Jesuit. The Arrupe division differs from the rest of the school in their stricter rules and more involvement from the teachers.
Buildings
- McElroy Hall (3 floors): The Classics (2nd Floor) and Modern Language (end of 3rd floor) departments and most Language, History, Religious Education, and English classrooms.
- Cushing Hall (2 floors): The Math Department and classrooms on the second floor; the Corcoran Library on the first floor.
- Loyola Hall (3 floors): Houses the Chapel, Faculty Dining Room, "Eagles Nest" faculty daycare center, Jesuit Residence, President's Office, the History, English, and Religious Education Departments, as well as many administrative departments.
- Walsh Hall (3 floors): Houses the Arrupe Division (7th and 8th Grades), formerly a part of the High School.
- McQuillan Hall (3 floors): Newest addition to BC High Campus in 2005. Houses the Admissions Office, Principal's Office, Bookstore, Guidance Department, Cafeteria, Campus Ministry, and many classrooms.
- McNeice Pavilion (Gym): Basketball courts, locker rooms, indoor track, and weight room.
- Gregory E. Bulger Performing Arts Center (Theater), formerly Dever Auditorium
- Cadigan Hall: A second gym, for the Arrupe Division, new art classrooms and theaters as well as a student lounge will be in Cadigan Hall. The new hall was announced in the spring of 2012.
Athletic Achievements
State Championships
The 2009 Indoor Track Relay Team won the Massachusetts State Relays.[5][6]
Track 2008-2009 season MA State Champions
MIAA State Championships | |||
---|---|---|---|
Season | Sport | Number of Championships | Year |
Fall | Football | 4 | 1977, 2000, 2008, 2011 |
Soccer | 1 | 2004 | |
Golf | 1 | 2011 | |
Rowing | 4 | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 New England Fall Champions | |
Winter | Hockey (Super 8) | 5 | 1996, 2002, 2006, 2007 |
Basketball, Boys | 2 | 1917, 2007 | |
Indoor Track | 1 | 2009 | |
Swimming | 4 | 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005 | |
Spring | Sailing | 7 | 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2012 |
Baseball | 3 | 2001, 2008, 2009 | |
Rugby | 2 | NERFU Champs 2004,2005,2006. National Championship Runner up 2004 placed #10 in the country | |
Tennis | 1 | 2013 | |
Rowing | 1 | 2013 NEIRA Champions | |
Total | 36 | ||
In 2008 after an 83 year absence rowing returned to BC High. The rowing "Crew" team has been in the Head of the Charles since the rebirth in '08. The team just finished 4th in the country, placing 8th at the 2011 HOCR. Recently the Crew team placed 5th at the 2012 HOCR and 7 at the 2013 HOCR. In 2014 the First Varsity Eight finished 4th in the Youth Eights Division, placing first among American High Schools and winning both the Jesuit Cup and the Metropolitan District Commission Cup, awarded to the most competitive Massachusetts High School at the regatta.
School Facts
- 1,500 student enrollment
- 15,000-plus living alumni
- 40-acre (160,000 m2) campus on Boston Harbor
- 13:1 student to faculty ratio
- 35,000-plus hours of community service performed by juniors each year
- 99% of students go on to attend 4 year colleges
- 85 elective courses are offered to students
- 24 Advanced Placement Program (AP) courses are offered each year
- 50 students earned National Merit Commendations from 2004 to 2006
- 28 students earned National Merit Commendations or Semifinalist Designation in 2007
- 4 class maximum for faculty
- 85%-plus of the faculty hold master's degrees
- Students scoring in the 90th percentile and above on HSPT entrance exam awarded some level of academic scholarship.
- 45% of students receive some form of financial aid
- 65% of total students are from the South Shore notably Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Scituate, Marshfield, Hanover and Hingham.
- 30% of total students are from urban areas
- 16.5% of total students are minorities
- 120 Extracurriculars currently offered
- Sister school, Notre Dame Academy serves as BC High's cheerleading squad for football and basketball seasons, although it is not run by the Jesuits.
- Fierce rivals with the Knights of Catholic Memorial High School, from West Roxbury, Massachusetts and the Hawks of Xaverian Brothers High School from Westwood, Massachusetts. Also fierce rivals with St. Johns Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts.
- In Boston Magazine's "The Best High Schools 2006" BC High was chosen as the best high school for "Politicians in Training" for the local and state government level.[7]
- Jazz/Rock Ensemble won the Silver Medal at the All State Jazz Competition in 2006.
- Ranked #10 on SI.com's list of Top High School Athletic programs-the only school in New England to be ranked.[8]
Notable alumni
- William M. Bulger, politician, ex-president of the University of Massachusetts system
- Paul Carey, Former MLB player (Baltimore Orioles)
- Terry Driscoll, NBA professional basketball player, first round (4th overall) draft pick in 1969
- Tim Bulman, NFL Defensive lineman, Houston Texans
- Joe Cannata, Merrimack College hockey goalie and 2009 Vancouver Canucks draftee.
- Joe Callahan, NHL defenseman, New York Islanders
- General George W. Casey, Jr., four-star general, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army
- David Chiu, President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
- Dr. Thomas E. Cronin, political scientist and educator
- Richard James Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston
- Most Rev. John Michael D'Arcy, Bishop Emeritus of Fort Wayne-South Bend, former Auxiliary Bishop of Boston
- Jason Delaney, current minor league baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates
- Brendan B. Downes, noted democracy advocate and scholar at the National Democratic Institute.
- Maxwell Drummey, member of music duo Chester French
- Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., four-star general, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A); 36th Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps
- Paul Guilfoyle, actor, as seen on CSI
- Alex Hassan, MLB 1B/OF, Boston Red Sox
- Patrick Francis Healy, Pulitzer Prize–nominated The New York Times political correspondent
- General Joseph P. Hoar, former commander-in-chief, United States Central Command
- Pete Hughes, Virginia Tech Baseball head coach
- Ike Kamp, Former MLB player (Boston Braves)
- Thomas G. Kelley, Medal of Honor recipient and Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services
- Edward Thaddeus Lawton, Boston-born Catholic bishop in Nigeria
- Daniel Burke, “Top 10 Innovative In-House Lawyers for 2010” “General Counsel of the Year”, Seven Seals Award from the U.S. Department of Defense
- Stanley A. Kane, Founder of Strictly Copy Paste
- Francis Patrick O'Connor, Former Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- Pat Leahy NHL hockey player
- Dennis Lehane, author of Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, Shutter Island
- Phil Lynch, former CEO, Reuters America; current CEO, Asset Control Systems
- Theodore Marier, founder of the Boston Archdiocesan Choir School
- Chris Marinelli, NFL football player, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts
- John A. McNeice Jr, philanthropist, former Chairman and CEO, Colonial Group
- James P. Moran, Sr., Boston Redskins player, father of Virginia politicians Jim Moran and Brian Moran
- Joe Nash, NFL football player, Seattle Seahawks National Football League
- Jake O'Brien, Boston University Basketball player, 2009 America East Rookie of the Year
- Joseph T. O'Callahan, Catholic priest and recipient of the Medal of Honor
- Pietro Pezzati, painter
- Mike Ryan NHL hockey player
- Walter Robinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist
- Paul Sally Professor of mathematics and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Chicago
- Francis X. Shea, Jesuit academic who served as president of the College of St. Scholastica and chancellor of Antioch College
- Mike Sullivan, former NHL hockey player, former Boston Bruins head coach
- Steve Trapilo, NFL football player
- Erik Vendt, Olympic swimmer, gold medalist 2008,silver medalist in both 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics
- Jerry York, Boston College Men's Hockey head coach; has over 800 wins, 4 National Championships leading all active coaches, played hockey at both BC High and BC.
- Eric Turner, singer, featured in Written in the Stars
References
- ↑ John 17:3 "That they may know You."
- ↑ NEASC-CIS. "NEASC-Commission on Independent Schools". Retrieved 2009-07-28.
- ↑ http://www.bchigh.edu/home/news_item.asp?id=337&newsArea=home
- ↑ .Boston College High School ~ Off-Campus Visits
- ↑ Raymond, Jonathan (January 18, 2009). "BC High: Group dynamic". The Boston Globe.
- ↑ http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view/2009_01_18_BC_High_Eagles_rise_up:_Corey_Thomas_sets_record/srvc=home&position=recent
- ↑ Best Schools 2006: The Right Private School for Your Kid - Boston Magazine
- ↑ "SI.com - Nation's Top 10 athletic programs - Jun 19, 2007". CNN. June 19, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
External links
Preceded by Catholic Memorial High School |
Super Eight Hockey Tournament Champions 2006 and 2007 |
Succeeded by Reading Memorial High School |
Preceded by Catholic Memorial High School |
Super Eight Hockey Tournament Champions 2002 |
Succeeded by Catholic Memorial High School |
Preceded by Catholic Memorial High School |
Super Eight Hockey Tournament Champions 1996 |
Succeeded by Arlington Catholic High School |
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