Boston Latin School - Liber Actorum Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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Dedicated to .. . The past twelve years have seen dramatic changes at Boston Latin School: expansion of the science department, abolition of the dress code, introduction of individual scheduling with the seven period day and utility periods, establishment of flexi- ble campus, and the enrollment of girls. In addition to these innovations, a Federal Court order has produced, in the last two years, a great deal of misunderstanding and controversy about the process of selecting students for admission to the school. Throughout all these experiences, the retiring headmaster of the Boston Latin School, Doctor Wilfred L. O ' Leary, has exerted a calming and stabilizing influence over the academic lives of his charges by his inspirational leadership and spirited defense of Alma Mater. In 1925 Doctor O ' Leary graduated from Boston Latin School. He returned in 1934 to teach history and by 1948 had attained the position of Head of Department in history at the Jeremiah E. Burke High School with four years out for wartime service. Following the outbreak of World War II he joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1942 rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel before receiving his discharge in 1946. He remained in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement as a full colonel in 1966. Although he became headmaster of Roslindale High School in 1957, he did not realize his lifelong ambition, appoint- ment as headmaster of Boston Latin School, until 1964. During his long career Doctor O ' Leary has been elected to office in many scholastic organizations including the New Eng- land Association of History Teachers, the Massachusetts Schoolmasters Club, and The Headmasters Association and has been honored by various organizations both civic and scholastic. Among his most recent honors have been Man of the Year award by the Boston Latin School Alumni Association, 1975; Citation for Achievement from the National Association of Sec- ondary School Principals, 1976; and election to the prestigious position of president of The Headmasters Association in Feb ruary of this year. With his untiring efforts to maintain the scholastic standards and traditional values of a Boston Latin School education in mind, the Class of 1976 respectfully dedicates this Bicentennial Edition of the Liber Actorum to its distinguished headmaster. Doctor Wilfred L. O ' Leary, 18 Dr, Wilfred O ' Leary 1 41 1 , ■