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

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DEDICATED IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES DONOVAN A Boston Latin student realizes the importance of one’s academics as pressure lurks in the junior classrooms. Engulfed by ambi- tion and determination, at the tender age of sixteen, one is left without space to grow. Certain teachers provide the academic challenge but only a special teacher provides an incentive that leads to a progressive development of values and goals. Mr. James Donovan was a compassionate man who understood the crucial period of adolescence that molds character. He en- couraged his students to excel with self confidence and he was genuinely pleased when they succeeded. By pleasing this well respected man, a student would feel confident and thus work harder. As my German teacher and friend, I was inspired by Mr. Donovan because he helped me to understand myself. He stimulated me to recognize my potential to achieve any goal. He taught me that it is essential to know and like myself, to see my limitations before I could attain any goal. Mr. Donovan related his morals to the class in a philosophical manner. I was able to develop myself as he ex- pressed his reasoning of morality humorously and persuasively. Mr. Donovan had a keen insight on life and he conveyed his thoughts to his students in a personal manner. In this way, he made us feel that we were an extension of his family. He frequently called us his “kids” and we felt a certain bond that was more than a teacher-student relationship. Mr. Donovan, giving us his personal advice, made us feel important and as if he genuinely cared for us. Although I learned many things from Mr. Donovan, I was most affected by a realization of the value of his person. Last year Mr. Donovan became seriously ill. I no longer saw him every day and I realized how he had influenced my school day. Visiting him in the hospital was awkward because 1 was accustomed to his leading the conversation or the class. He was always a leader but now was being led by the prognosis of doctors. Three weeks ago, Mr. Donovan died. As my friends and I mourned and thought of the wonderful contributions he made to us, I realized that my friendship and respect for Mr. Donovan influenced more than my values and goals. He was a symbol of what we would all like to be and I was glad that I had had the opportunity to learn from him. Lydia Clougherty 4

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Headmaster’s Message Mr. Michael G. Contompasis To the Graduating Class of 1 984: 1 congratulate you, the Class of 1984, for the truly outstanding achievement and honor that you have brought to yourself and your Alma Mater. Your dedication and devotion to duty have been exemplary. The years that you have spent here may often have seemed long, arduous, and frustrating. Many of you have not yet fully realized the value of the Latin School experience. The exposure to a stiff curriculum, the hours spent in preparation for your daily work, the strict adherence to r ules and regulations have provided you with the necessary background to fur- ther your personal and academic careers. You have been given the means to succeed. A great deal now depends upon how well you apply the lessons learned at the Boston Latin School. Be ever mindful of your responsibilities to your parents, your school and your community. Be especially loyal to Alma Mater. Aid her in every way so that she may continue to provide your successors with the opportunities that you have received. Make it a point to provide the support needed to help future Latin School students. I congratulate you again for your interest, your cooperation and your successes. 1 wish you well and Godspeed. Don’t forget us!