St. John’s 33rd Ryken Award recipient exemplifies Pope Leo’s call to “build bridges through dialogue and help us come together as one people”
Founder's Day Photos
St. John’s 2025 Founder’s Day Liturgy concluded last Friday with the annual Ryken Award ceremony in front of an all-school gathering. Following a celebratory Mass, attendees rose and cheered heartily when St. John’s Head of School Ed Hardiman, Ph.D. P’19 ’21 ’26 invited English teacher Paul Reilly to the stage as this year’s winner.
In keeping with tradition, Hardiman punctuated one of the most anticipated events of the weeklong celebration by gradually revealing the identity of the Ryken honoree until asking Reilly to come forward.
“It’s really an honor,” said an overwhelmed Reilly. “To follow in the footsteps of all these recipients that I have admired, these devoted teachers and staff I admire. It’s inspiring me to be even more passionate about my teaching.”
Departmental colleague and personal friend John Roy ’87 P’16 ’18’ ’22 described the recognition as more than a well-deserved salute; it was also a chance to thank his own formative guide in the vocation of teaching
“From my earliest days in the classroom, Paul offered not only practical wisdom, but also the kind of steady, thoughtful example that left a lasting imprint,” said Roy, a teacher and coach at the Prep for 32 years. “I continue to use his practices because they were never merely strategies. They were grounded in a deep understanding of learning, care, and professionalism. Paul’s influence is woven into my daily work, reminding me of the value of clarity, structure, and a genuine love for students.”
A resident of Newburyport, Riley earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Cornell University. He obtained an M.Ed. from Framingham State University. He joined the St. John’s Prep community in 1991.
“I can't imagine anyone who’s as kind and gentle and as active a listener,” said Sean McDaniel, a Religious Studies teacher and colleague of Reilly’s since 1995. “He’s thoughtful and he’s someone who cares so deeply about his students. As a colleague, he’s kind of the strong and silent type. He genuinely listens whether you’re talking about the weather or a real issue. He’s extremely approachable as a colleague. His demeanor, the way he carries himself, is very inviting.”
Reilly is the first member of the English department to win the award since the now-retired John Klein in 2008.
“I’m very humbled and honored to receive this beautiful award,” said Reilly. “I wanted to say how wonderful it’s been to be a part of this community at St. John’s Prep on this beautiful campus with students who want to learn. I want you to know how grateful I am for all the students. You challenge us everyday to bring out our best so we can bring out the best in you. Keep that bar raised high and keep doing what you’re doing.”
Now in its fourth decade, the Ryken award is the highest honor given by Xaverian Brothers Sponsored schools and is presented annually to a member of the staff or faculty for exceptional dedication and commitment to the vision and goals of Xaverian education worldwide. Past St. John’s Prep recipients span multiple academic subjects and departments, including fine arts, information services, and front office staff.
“Paul embodies the charisms of trust, compassion, simplicity, and humility with quiet consistency,” said Roy. “He lives simply, in the Thoreau sense of the word. Paul doesn’t require much to be happy. He demonstrates humility in that he never seeks the spotlight. He gladly works diligently behind the scenes. His scholarly approach, paired with impeccable organization and infinite patience, has made him not just a respected educator, but a true model teacher. Paul leads by example, lifting those around him and creating a culture where excellence and kindness coexist. In every way, he represents the very best of our profession—someone whose presence strengthens both the people and the mission of our school.”
STILL GOING STRONG
Friday’s liturgy was a culminating opportunity for school leaders and the Xaverian congregation to remind students of the meaning behind Founder’s Week, which features accompanying activities and events that reflect on a shared mission and cultural priorities, all highlighted by prayer services, community service, social events, and community gatherings that build on the enduring, personal relationships that are a hallmark of the Xaverian Way.
The occassion commemorates Theodore James Ryken, founder of the congregation, and the continuing influence of the Xaverian Brothers in Catholic education worldwide. A poor cobbler with no formal education, Ryken became a visionary who founded the congregation in 1839 in Bruges, Belgium. The liturgy is celebrated each year by the 13 Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools in the United States, including St. John’s Prep.
Brother John Hamilton, General Superior of the Xaverian Brothers and a 1964 Prep graduate, thanked all Xaverian communities for their devotion to mission via a video message.
“Ryken dreamed of founding a community of laymen, who, as consecrated religious, would spread throughout the world, sharing the gospel and educating those who had no access to it,” said. “Through your dedication, confidence, and zeal, the mission not merely continues, but flourishes in ways it never has before. In thanksgiving to you and for you, may God bless you all.”
History of Ryken Award Winners
2025 Paul Reilly
2024 Melani Paresi
2023 Steve Ruemenapp
2022 Bill Britton and Diane Hastings
2021 Raisa Carrasco-Vélez
2020 All Faculty and Staff
2019 Alicia Greenwood
2018 Elizabeth Dobrowolski
2017 Peter Mathison
2016 Leslie Tremblay
2015 Bob Marinelli (deceased)
2014 Jim Stager
2013 Br. Tim Paul, C.F.X.
2012 Pat Yanchus ’67
2011 Amir Ghali
2010 Dave Malaro
2006 Chris Lynch
2005 Bill Boyle
2004 Joe Lovett
2003 Bill Mackinson
2002 Dianne Carey
2009 Wendy Larivee
2008 John Klein
2007 Br. Ron Santoro, C.F.X.
2001 James Dupre
2000 D. Edward Dooley
1999 Jody Meyer
1998 Frederick Glatz
1997 Michael Walor
1996 Paul Smith (deceased)
1995 Eileen Larkin (deceased)
1994 John Boyle
1993 Robert Combe (deceased)