Bishop Stang High School has selected its second class of inductees to the Hall of Honors, and the selection committee will host an induction ceremony at White’s of Westport on Sunday, October 21.
The Bishop Stang Hall of Honors was established in 2016 to honor the legacy of many of the graduates, faculty members, and friends of the school who have made an enduring impact on the community.
Past inductees to the Hall of Honors are:
John C. O’Brien, Theresa Dougall, The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, The Carney Family, Dr. Arthur Buckley, Kathryn Crosson (Pope Francis Inductee)
The Hall of Honors Class of 2018 include:
Maureen Sylvia Armstrong, ’82: Maureen is a Bishop Stang High School graduate of the Class of 1982. After graduating from Boston College’s Carrol School of Management, Maureen began working at Sylvia Group of Insurance Companies and has led the company since 1998, growing from 10 to 50 employees during that time. As an alumnus, Advisory Board member, founder of the annual auction, co-chair of the Building Our Future capital campaign, generous supporter, and parent, Maureen has given the trifecta of her time, treasure, and talent for the benefit of Bishop Stang.
Jim Black, ’69: Jim is a Bishop Stang High School graduate of the Class of 1969. Jim lives in Houston, Texas, but remains in close touch with his class and our school. As President and CEO of Moran Shipping Agencies, Jim has grown the company to become the largest independent steamship agency in North America. Jim has been an ardent supporter and ambassador for Catholic education everywhere, is a trusted advisor and donor to the O’Brien Scholarship Fund, and generous supporter of capital fundraising campaigns for Bishop Stang.
Paul Duchaine (Posthumously): Paul Duchaine and his wife Jeannine raised 5 children, all whom graduated from Bishop Stang High School. Mr. Duchaine was a successful business owner and was the CEO of the My Bread Baking Company in New Bedford. Mr. Duchaine was blessed with the financial rewards of his hard work, and generously supported Catholic programs. In 1982, Mr. Duchaine built the tennis courts for the Bishop Stang athletic program, and in 1983 Mr. Duchaine established the Duchaine Family Scholarship. In 1997, Mr. Duchaine increased the endowment, and later crafted a careful and deliberate endowment gift which will provide financial aid for Bishop Stang students in perpetuity. Although he died in 2006, his legacy continues to grow and thrive at Bishop Stang, as his gift continues to create opportunities for students and makes Bishop Stang stronger and more accessible.
Sean Hargraves ’71: Sean is a Bishop Stang High School graduate of the Class of 1971 and is being honored with the Pope Francis Service Award. Sean is a living example of the Gospel in his service to the needs of underserved youth in the South Central neighborhood of New Bedford at the Dennison Memorial Center. For the past 35 years, Sean has given all he has to keep this neighborhood haven open, and he is an example of commitment to serving others, and “making known the goodness of God” through his actions.
Jean O’Brien: Jean O’Brien has been at Bishop Stang celebrating students’ success since the fall of 1961, when her husband John was hired to teach and coach basketball. While raising their children and teaching for the Somerset schools, Jean always found time to root for the Spartans, especially when her 4 children were students. In 1985, John O’Brien died of cancer and the school community mourned with the O’Brien family. Since then, Jean has made her biggest impact, by continuing to be a strong, positive presence at the school. In the 33 years since Mr. O’Brien died, Mrs. O’Brien has continued to support our school by her presence at award ceremonies, meeting scholarship recipients, rooting for the Spartan teams, cheering on performances, accepting honors on behalf of Mr. O’Brien, granting interviews, and participating in fundraisers. Jean O’Brien has been sharing herself with Bishop Stang for more than 57 years and has devotedly watched over three generations of Spartans.
Sister Theresa Trayers, SND: The National Honor Society at Bishop Stang is named in honor of this math teacher and guidance counselor who served Bishop Stang from 1975 until 1998. Sister Theresa smiled with her eyes and offered positive support to students. As the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur moved out of the convent and the faculty transformed into a lay faculty, Sister Theresa remained at the school, serving as a living link to the Sisters’ community. Her commitment helped ensure the school’s mission continued to include service to others, and in the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the school strives to “make known the goodness of God.”