News Releases

The night cooperated – mostly. The rain shower was brief. Light eventually shone through the auditorium windows which was just as bright as the smiles on the faces of the Class of 2019. One hundred and twenty-six students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and celebrate the 67th Commencement of Archbishop Williams High School.

If a “journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, a journey of thousands of miles begins with a plane ride, a new home and an intrepid spirit. That is the story of senior and soon to be graduating, Xu Han, known in the AWHS community as Viola.

He is the definition of the “well-rounded” student. Brockton’s Marc-Andy Mexil is a stand-out soccer player, a “drama bee”, a track star and a Peer Minister. This mix makes him a true blue and gold Bishop. Marc-Andy shares that he “may not be sure what I want to be yet but I know that come the time I have to make that decision I will be aptly prepared to make the right one for me.”

Milton’s Abby Da Costa feels lots of gratitude as she reflects on her high school years. For Abby, there are “an endless amount of things I enjoyed.” A student athlete, captain of both the hockey and lacrosse teams, and a volleyball player, Abby has been that special kind of student who has been able to balance well her academics and sports.

It’s a wonderful opportunity; it’s an unique opportunity. It is our annual Spanish Student Exchange program that arrives each spring. Moderated by Spanish teacher Mrs. Joanne  Adams, come April our Bishops are packing bags to spend a week with a Spanish family and experiencing the beauty and culture of Spain close up. Students are paired with students that attend the Colegio San Jose’ de Cluny in the town of Pozuelo de Alarcon.

The results are in for National Spanish Exam, and once again our students have earned medal and honorable mention recognitions. Language Department Chair Mrs. Beverly Ekstrom explains the purpose of the testing is to “assess listening, vocabulary, grammatical structures and reading comprehension. It enables the individual student to better know their abilities and strengths in language acquisition.”

It is now a tradition that the Archbishop Williams community is proud to experience. It is an important reminder of the roots and values of an AW education. Each April, the school community comes to gather to recognize the birthday of John Joseph Williams, the fourth Bishop and first Archbishop of Boston.

Yes! “Space Tomatoes” is how teacher Jack Buckley and librarian Joanna Sands refer to their special collaboration with the Cushing Centers School this spring. The Cushing Center services Special Needs students and has long been a good neighbor to Archbishop Williams High School. Over the years, in lots of different initiatives, our Bishops and Cushing students have joined hands and hearts enriching each others lives.

It was a collaborative effort between English Department teachers, Mrs. Jamie Adams and Mrs. Marie Farina to bring Shakespeare, in all his glory, to Archbishop Williams High School. Students were treated to a full length production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Department Chair Mrs. Adams was “thrilled that we were able to provide students with access to live theater through the New England Repertory Theatre’s production. The company did a wonderful job conveying both the comedy of Shakespeare and the beauty of his language.”

Ms. Jessica Consilvio, our AWHS Adjustment Counselor, is grateful and appreciative that she can now add to her resume of certifications Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Jess has been working toward this certification as part of her Masters work. With her attendance and participation in two day training, she is now waiting for her paperwork to be stamped by the International Association of Trauma Professionals.

There’s nothing like a mariachi band to get the party started! And our annual spring celebration of Latin America is a party of sorts … a celebration that the Language department proudly sponsors. It began as a simple question. How can we promote Spanish culture beyond the classroom? The strategy was decided. Spanish classes would work on in-class projects that presented Spanish art, literature and culture. Those projects would then be shared school – wide in the cafeteria so that all students would have the opportunity to learn a little more about their global neighbors.

The sun was shining. Spring was evident. It was a feel good day that was perfect for the Archbishop Williams Halls of Fame Academic and Athletic inductions followed by the AW Gala, at Granite Links, Quincy. Five new inductees in the Academic and Athletic Halls were celebrated at a morning brunch held in the McGrath Center.

Just as the Class of 2019 closes the door on the college application journey, the Classes of 2020 and 21 open the door. Our school’s annual College Fairs are a first step in students realizing that the decision making about college choice comes sooner than they may want to realize.

They arrive at school with food in their stomachs or the opportunity to grab a morning snack in the caf before first bell. After school, they charge to the nearest food mart or Dunkin Donuts for any variety of food as they head to their after school activity. Being hungry for more than a few hours is not their reality. Hunger is a reality, however, for people in their communities and around the globe. And if you are a Bishop, there is an effort in classrooms all year to sensitize our students to the growing hunger crisis.

When one thinks of the season of Lent, thoughts of “giving up” or sacrifice of some kind almost immediately comes to mind. But times have changed. And the Church of today has for some years now redirected our thinking. Perhaps Lent should be more of “giving” rather than “giving up.” With that in mind, our Campus Ministry program initiated the 40 DAY CHALLENGE.

It is a special service. It’s all about recognizing the specialness of others. It is special in our Campus Ministry history as it celebrates this year its 20th year of being a service activity that has received state wide accolades. It is the Archbishop Williams Braintree Buddies Program and at the latest gathering of Special Needs students from Braintree High School and students from Archie’s, it was time to party!

In every sense of the words, our 2019 Girls Basketball team are blue - ribbon champions. Once again, they were on the court at the Fleet on a run for another State championship title. There’s nothing like a Garden Party ( yes, it will always be the Garden for basketball zealots) and it was a party of two skilled CCL teams ready to battle in the MIAA Semi-finals. The winner would advance to the State Championship game.

Our AWHS Spring Show is about to take the stage. As is tradition, this show provides the opportunity for our student actors, singers and dancers to perform and delight audiences for two evenings. This year, SHREK THE MUSICAL is being readied by a cast of 42 and a tech crew of 20, with Director Mrs.De Rosa-Coakley, Technical Director Mr. Rick Martin and Lead Choreographer Mr Jared Lyons.

When they appear on the court, Bishop fans prepare to see basketball played at its best. The Lady Bishops have earned 7 State Division 3 banners, most recently in 2013,’ 15,’ 17 and ‘18 and are in pursuit of another one this year. With recent impressive wins over Dedham, 61 -31 and Rockland, 72 -48, the women are looking forward to the Semi- final competition against Apponequt. A victory there sends these talented athletes to a Garden Party!