A Dedication – The John Donoghue Faculty Lounge

A Dedication – The John Donoghue Faculty Lounge
By: Kathy Habel

It might be considered one of the most auspicious occasions in Archbishop Williams’s history. It may be looked at that way because on September 25th, the newly renovated AW faculty room was named the Donoghue Faculty Lounge honoring Mr. John Donoghue, Class of 1960, and current member of the Math department, past Assistant Vice-Principal, Academic Dean and Summer School Coordinator. John has worn many hats at Williams. The one he holds most dear is simply being a Bishop. For John, the students, colleagues, AW friends and school mission are at the center of his life – always has been, always will. As family, friends and former students classmates and students gathered in the cafeteria to honor John and to be present for the unveiling of the Donoghue plaque, the well deserved tributes for John were happily delivered. John’s sister, Eileen “Liz” Donoghue, ’68, spoke of John’s devotion to the school over several decades because he found at Williams his “second home”. Liz reflected that “of all the students and faculty that have come to Archbishop Williams, John is the embodiment of the Williams tradition.” Principal Volonnino said of John: “John deeply, deeply loves this place.” Anyone who knows John, know these words are more than true. A beloved teacher, John has been selfless in contributing to AWHS in innumerable ways over time, not only in the classroom but in alumni affairs and Administrative initiatives. John consistently finds ways to recognize students, past and present and with his encyclopedic recall of people and events in our AWHS history, John has been the “go to” person for our school’s principals and presidents.

It was no surprise that the new faculty room renovations and the decision to now know it as the Donoghue Faculty Lounge came through the generosity of Thomas Bogan, Class of 1968. Tom flew in from his Palo Alto home to honor John. He considers Mr. Donoghue to be one of his most influential teachers. Tom recalled the challenges he faced as a teenager: moving from Michigan to Brockton; coming to AWHS without a network of friends; navigating his way through his parents’ divorce; being, in his eyes, an average student. John Donoghue was there for the young Tom Bogan. John recognized Tom and cared for him in the ways good teachers do. Tom never forgot what he called his high school “transformative” experience. He gives credit to his former teacher enabling him to have “fit in, built confidence and envisioned outcomes that (he) could create.”

What a stellar footprint Mr. Donoghue left for his student, now a successful businessman and philanthropist. As all gathered enjoyed the toasts to John and seeing his utter surprise and then humility at the unveiling of the Donoghue plaque, the room took on a new meaning. It is now a reminder of the man who has lived his life living the motto and spirit of “the love of Christ drives us on”.

An American Tradition - HOMECOMING!

An American Tradition - HOMECOMING!
By: Kathy Habel

It’s a tradition that dates back to the early 1900’s. In 1911, the University of Missouri planned a homecoming event that has become the model for Homecomings today. Bring together two teams that have crazy fans, whip up excitement with a rally and/or parade before the game and personalize the Homecoming to fit your school’s rabid fans. One ingredient that remains popular for our AWHS community that personalizes our tradition is the selection of the Homecoming Court and Mr/Ms AWHS.

So, who is our Mr/Ms AWHS? It is a senior that represent qualities found in our AW Mission Statement; thus “a young man and woman who are good students, participate in a variety of school activities, demonstrate strong school spirit and who other students see as both leaders and friends.” This year, the following students were nominated by their peers for the honor of Mr AWHS: Colton Casper (Hanover), Danny Kelly (Quincy), Owen Kelly (Braintree) and Brian Moriarty (Weymouth). The following young women were nominated by their peers for Ms AWHS: Abby DeCosta( Milton), Iris Li (China), Olivia Papay (Weymouth), Lilli Miller (Weymouth).

After an afternoon rally and before the Homecoming Dance, a football game was to be played. At half-time, the nominees were introduced to the cheers of classmates and families. Then the moment came to announce the seniors selected to carry on this AW tradition. Colton Casper and Abby DeCosta were recognized as this years’ recipient of this wonderful recognition of Mr and Ms Archbishop Williams, 2018.

“to give is to receive” – Allison Delmonte,’19

“to give is to receive” – Allison Delmonte,’19
By: Kathy Habel

It is just a 20 minute drive from her Bridgewater home to Our Lady of Sorrows Convent, in Brockton. It is just a 20 minute drive for senior, Allison Delmonte, to Archbishop Williams. In a bigger picture, Allison has covered thousands of miles and made global connections, every time she appears at the door of Our Lady’s convent. It is there that Allison gives service to a large group of Vietnamese Sisters, members of the Dominicans, Our Lady of the Rosary and Lovers of the Holy Cross.

This past summer, Allison sat at a teacher’s desk. She found her way there due to her Theology teacher, Mrs. Lynne Jensen. For several years, Mrs. Jensen has worked with the young nuns who now call Brockton their home. In conversation with her students, Mrs. Jensen shared the opportunity of working with the Vietnamese nuns in teaching them English and cultural skills. Allison thought the service sounded “fun and unique and an opportunity I could not pass up.” Initially, Allison was guided in her teaching by using the lesson plans of Mrs. Jensen and sitting in on Mrs. Jensen’s classes. Allison enthusiasm for the classroom experience was a confidence builder, so much so that now she is able to handle classes on her own, with “a sense of what we need to work on, need to cover and build off of that. Often times, I will spend class just answering the questions the Sisters have for me.” The biggest challenge Allison has faced is “appreciating how hard the English language is to learn and having an answer but not a reason that is easy for the Sisters to understand.” The biggest joy? Allison loves “the time spent with the Sisters – just laughing and having fun” while doing important work.

This service is one that Allison looks forward to continuing. When she reflects on her teaching, Allison feels blessed. “I am so grateful for Mrs. Jensen giving me the opportunity and for allowing these wonderful young women to come into my life. Though I am supposed to be the teacher, they have taught me more about love, faith and happiness than I could ever teach them about the English Language.”

Carry on and Read!

Carry on and Read!
By: Kathy Habel

As the new school year begins, and all students will be given the opportunity to share their thoughts and insights to the school wide read of Carry On, it reminds us: Administration, faculty and parents, of the challenge of making our students readers. Here is the dilemma. None of us can make a girl or boy fall in love with reading. Scientific and educational research reveals that what we can do are influence students to become readers. How? You probably can guess the strategy. Be a reader yourself and let your kids see you reading. Like the little girl that kicks around a soccer ball in her backyard with her enthusiastic coach of a dad and then signs onto the town soccer league at the tender age of five, the influence begins for what may just become a passion. Do a little research now and then; find out what are popular reads for YA readers and instead of buying another Vineyard Vines T-shirt for a Christmas gift, buy a few books. If your son or daughter shows a bit of interest in reading and you spot a book in their hands, have a conversation about the book. Show them that a five minute conversation on a wild and crazy character may just be better, now and then, than watching a five minute video on You Tube.

Are you ready to help your student be an independent reader? Need some suggestions for a book that will entertain you or educate you, while getting some attention from your son or daughter on their way out the door. Here are some suggestions from our faculty and staff:

Ms. Adams (Language): Julian / Gore Vidal

Ms. Consilvio (Counselor): At the Water’s Edge / Sara Gruen

Mrs. Folan (Director Middle School): Preaching to the Choir / Camryn Royce

Ms. Habel (Communications): A Gentleman in Moscow / Amor Towles

Mr. Homer (Guidance): Sarah’s Key / Tatiana de Rosnay

Ms. Kennedy (Science): Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers / Mary Roach

Mr. Leonard (Theology): A Father Who Keeps His Promises / Dr. Scott Hahn

Mr. Martin (Fine Arts): Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies / Jared Diamond

Dr. Mathews (Asst. Principal): Snow Flower and the Secret Fan / Lisa See

Mr. McKerr (Social Studies): Boys in the Boat / Daniel James Brown

Mrs. Nichol (Mathematics): Mathematical Mindsets / Jo Boaler

Ms. O’Connell (English): The Goldfinch / Donna Tart

Ms. Picardi (Mathematics): Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close / J Safer Foer

Ms. Roach (Social Studies): Small Great Things / Jodi Pocoult

Mrs. Sands (Librarian): News of the World / Paulette Jiles