On the Shoulders of Giants
At long last, St. John's welcomes the 2020 Hall of Honor Inductees
Devoted to the mission, humble in their generosity, committed to fostering Xaverian values—each member of St. John’s Prep Hall of Honor exemplifies servant-leadership at its most fundamental. Induction into the Hall of Honor is one of the highest distinctions bestowed upon alumni, family, and friends of St. John’s Prep. Its most recent inductees include teacher Liz Dobrowolski, Sue and Steve Hines P'99 '02 and family, Judie and Joe Levis '60 P'85 '92 '94, and the Catholic Schools Foundation. Though the School was unable to celebrate the following five honorees in person when they were set to be announced at the April 2020 We Are St. John’s Gala, we hope you will join us in congratulating these pillars of the Prep community in the incredible impact they've had on the tradition and legacy at St. John's Prep.
DOROTHY DOLAN P '05
Recently retired from the St. John’s Prep Office for Institutional Advancement, Dorothy was devoted to her work and advancing the mission of St. John’s for 16 years. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Dorothy spent many years in Illinois establishing a professional career and growing her family. After returning to Massachusetts, she landed in advancement at St. Mary’s of the Annunciation School before accepting a role at St. John’s. A supportive and caring colleague, she has served as a mentor to many. Her legacy lives on through the impact she has made on the Prep campus and on the lives of Prep students. Dorothy’s commitment to family and friends is unmatched. They will all tell you that she truly loves St. John’s Prep.
“Dorothy throws her heart and soul into every job she has. She brings the skills, she brings the creativity, and still remembers to be good to people.”
Maryellen Dolan
FR. TONY PENNA
Fr. Tony Penna arrived at St. John’s Prep in 1978, shortly after being ordained a priest, to join the campus ministry staff. His lasting impact on the school is immeasurable. Staff and alumni alike speak to Fr. Tony’s thoughtful, relatable message of the Gospel and his ability to make folks feel like they are the most important person in the room. His legacy continues today at Boston College, where he has served in many roles over 30 years—currently as Associate Vice President and Director of Campus Ministry. St. John’s Prep is grateful for Fr. Tony’s example, kindness, and passion for our students and mission. We are delighted to honor his contributions and celebrate his legacy this year.
“Fr. Tony is at the top of his game. He is as good today, or better, than he’s ever been before.” Mike Panos ’89 P’28
BRIAN SHULTZ '75
Brian’s commitment to and passion for St. John’s Prep is unparalleled. As a 1975 graduate, Brian exemplifies Prep loyalty, generosity, and pride on a daily basis. The success of the True Blue Alumni loyalty program is due in large part to his commitment to staying connected with alumni from not only his own class, but all classes. Brian recalls his Prep experience in great detail, and attributes much of his professional success to his Prep teachers and peers. If alumni need an inspirational example of how to engage and give back as they journey through life, they need look no further than Brian Shultz.
“Brian is the heart and soul of the Class of 1975. It’s hard to imagine our class without him. We owe him for all of the effort and energy he dedicates to this school and our class.” David Ives ’75 P’07
JIM STAGER P' 06
After spending 42 years in school counseling at St. John’s, Jim’s impact on students is hard to quantify. He went above and beyond to provide counsel to thousands of St. John’s Prep students as they charted their individual journeys through high school and beyond. He was as popular with the students as he was with his staff, and was a steady voice of reason. For over four decades, the success of our graduates at college and beyond is linked directly to Jim’s commitment, care, and wisdom. We honor his many years of dedication to the Prep community and appreciate the ways in which he has shaped our mission.
“His willingness to go above and beyond for students is the true essence of who my dad is.” Alison Stager
THE SHAW FAMILY 
The Shaw Family—Scott, Joanne, Connor ’12, Maddy, and Ryan ’15 (in memoriam)—are among the most cherished of St. John’s Prep families. Ryan was enthusiastic, creative, and called by some “an ideal Prep student.” The Ryan Shaw ’15 Entrepreneurial Education Program at St. John’s Prep honors Ryan’s memory by harnessing his enthusiasm and creativity to offer entrepreneurial opportunities for our current students. Scott, Joanne, Connor ’12, and Maddy continue to model the best qualities of a St. John’s Prep family. We honor Ryan’s memory and celebrate the Shaw family’s commitment to St. John’s Prep through entrepreneurial education and the Shaw Family Endowment Fund, which includes the endowed position of the Shaw Family Director of Innovation and Design within the School’s Center for Mission and Research. Ryan’s legacy continues to inspire current students at St. John’s every day.
“We honor the Shaw family because they’ve given us a great example. In the face of tragedy and loss, they’ve turned grief into advocacy, support, and creating opportunity for others.” Headmaster Ed Hardiman, Ph.D. P’19 ’21 ’26