Legends in the Making

Only at a place like St. Benedict’s Prep can teenagers from far flung places like Western Mongolia and Kenya find community and opportunities that propel them into the highest echelons of their respective sports. We’re the kind of school where no one is surprised when our novice high school basketball coach goes on to lead a Division I college program to back-to-back NCAA men’s basketball championships. Or a promising science student, encouraged by faculty, pursues his true passion and becomes an established performer in London’s West End. 

In fact, where else but Benedict’s would you find two teams, from two different eras, honored for their persistence and grit, alongside a humanitarian physician who spent 15 years in Ghana, and a teacher who devoted every part of his being to accompanying kids through The Hive? Our 2024 Hall of Fame is where. Six extraordinary individuals and two iconic teams were enshrined in the Benedict’s institution, where we like to say, “History lives and legends endure.” 

It’s important to honor our legends and recognize their contributions. Even more vital is for the kids who are currently in our care — the legends in the making — to meet our Hall of Famers and learn their stories. So, when a Gray Bee encounters adversity, or is faced with the choice of taking the easy or harder path, there’s an example to remind them of what’s right and what is possible. That’s the point of the St. Benedict’s Hall of Fame. 

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“When a Gray Bee encounters adversity or is faced with the choice of taking the easy or harder path, there’s an example to remind them of what’s right and what is possible. That’s the point of the St. Benedict’s Hall of Fame.”

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The point of this Annual Report is to share progress and achievements made in 2023-24, and to recognize the 3,163 alumni, friends and teammates whose generosity contributed to our success. Thank you! This enterprise of accompanying 950 kids through the most formative period of their lives would not be possible without you. Together, we raised more than $24 million in direct support. But we also have more work to do, particularly on alumni participation in giving, where our rate dropped to 32% from a record high of 39% last year. I urge you to read the message from Chairman of the Board of Trustees Bob DiQuollo ’65 on this matter on page 8. 

We can take a lesson from our Hall of Famers who shared how they overcame obstacles or triumphed over defeat in their acceptance speeches at the October 1 event. Gray Bees pick themselves up, lean on community, never quit and keep going. And that’s exactly what we intend to do. 

Please keep St. Benedict’s Prep in your prayers. Be assured of our prayers for you and your loved ones. 

Peace! 

Fr. Edwin Leahy, O.S.B. ’63
Headmaster