Inspiration

I know, its been more than a month since my last post, but with the new school year right around the corner I'm committed to doing this more regularly.  As you know, so much of my job consists of interacting with BMHS and LR alumni while either on the road or right here at home.  I am always so inspired by what they have to say about their alma mater so I thought I'd share a few with you.

A few weeks ago while visiting family and alumni in Charlotte, NC I had a phone conversation with Dr. Tom Burns, '90.  Dr. Burns holds his undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, was an all-American football player and won college football's highest award presented to the top student-athlete in college football.  Today he is the President of a thriving and successful broadband cable company in Aiken, SC, a proud husband, and father.  He said to me that the foundation of his education was set at McNamara.  It was there that he was inspired and challenged to become his best and it was there that he encountered his best teachers. While he loved his days at UVA and had some great professors there, he credited BMHS for being the place that planted the seeds of academic rigor, intellectual curiosity and the drive to succeed.

A few weeks later we received a visit from 2nd Lt. Meghan Prinkey, '08 who is a recent graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and will be leaving in a few weeks to begin her studies in astronautical engineering at MIT.  Meghan had the opportunity to speak to the Project PRIDE students attending summer school and credited Bishop McNamara for giving her an "enthusiasm for learning."  She also encouraged the students to get involved in the life of the school and to ask teachers for help when you need it. 

In the same week we received a visit from Cameron Chism '08, a recent University of Maryland graduate and a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts.  Cameron left just a few days ago for camp with the Colts so be sure to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  Cameron talked about how he learned his work ethic and developed himself not only academically but also spiritually and personally as a man of faith and integrity.  We are so proud of Cam and know that even though he is now a Colt, he considers himself always a Mustang!  Follow Cam on twitter @CamChism.

And just last week I received the most inspirational email and video from Dr. Scott Drew, '79.  Dr. Drew is a dermatologist in Northern Ohio who earlier this year worked with a philanthropy called Free the Children and opened a Dermatology clinic in Narok South, in rural Kenya.  Be sure to take a few moments and watch the inspirational video that Scott is in about his work in Kenya.  In Dr. Drew's words, "It was a privilege and I learned so much from these wonderful people.  Free the children put a video of our efforts on a website--passiontoheal.com, it's a little over 4 minutes, and highlights the people, the volunteers and the diseases endemic to the area.  I mention this to you because BMHS has a long history of instilling in its students the life value of service learning; I know I am one of many alums who's lives are continually influenced by the traditions of BMHS."  We very much look forward to welcoming Dr. Drew back to his alma mater during Alumni Weekend September 7, 8 & 9 where he will address the senior class and share more about his experiences in Kenya.

So to each of these special individuals and the countless more of you out there who have been inspired in some way by the unique mission and ministry at Bishop McNamara and La Reine High Schools and the special teachers who make a difference, I say thank you!  Thank you for carrying forth the mission of Being Family, Building Respect, Educating Hearts and Minds, and Bringing Hope through your words, actions and personal witness.  You are an inspiration!