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

Page 8 text:

Dedicated to Dr. Joseph F. Desmond “The Class of ' 87 can lake great pride in the fact that it has had Dr. Desmond’s unique leadership during its senior year, and will quite likely be able to make the claim of be- ing the only graduating class in the long history of this school to have his signature on its diplomas.” — Mr. John Page Our senior year, in particular, seemed to be the year of changes and of “firsts.” Unfortunately, most of us chose to focus much of our attention on what, in the beginning of the year, had seemed to be the greatest change of all: the deprivation of our “senior” hallway. There were also some feelings of indignation when we first learned that Mr. Contompasis, our head- master for the past five years, would not be in the front office during our last year at Latin. Amid the tension and chaos of the senior year, we had sometimes selfishly, though definitely not intentionally, failed to recognize how lucky we were to be under the guidance of Dr. Desmond during his only year of headmastership. Dr. Desmond has, over the course of the school year, exhibited only the most superior qualities in his role as headmaster. He has evidently shown himself to be not only an extremely responsible and able administrator, but a conscientious, sym- pathetic and caring human being as well. In his address at the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony of our junior year. Dr. Desmond had said to us, “It is you, plural, who make Boston Latin the singular school that it always has been and continues to be.” If devotion, respect and love for Latin, its faculty and, most of all, its students, are constituents of the Latin School spirit, then surely Dr. Desmond, more than any of us, is the sole epitome of whatever it is that makes our Alma Mater “singular.” Dr. Desmond, to go a step beyond giving you the customary half dozen standing ovations a year, we would like to do the small honor of dedicating to you our Liber Actorum, a symbol of the extraordinary year which we have been privileged enough to share with you. We hope that we will continue to live in your memory the way you will undoubtedly live, and be cherished, in ours. It is with the greatest honor, respect, appreciation and, most of all, love that we thank you for having been not just our headmaster this year, but also our friend. The Class of 1987 4

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Headmaster’s Message TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 1987: Dr. Joseph F. Desmond The class of 1987 is fortunate in having been at Latin School for two momentous occasions in its history; the celebration of the 350th anniversary during your sophomore year, and the 100th anniversary football game between English and Latin in this your senior year. Members of the class have had ample opportunity to reflect upon the traditions of Latin School and to appreciate the renown the school has throughout the country and the world. We hope that in your collegiate acceptances and in your career goals you will benefit from that renown, and we fully expect that by your own achievements in college and ac- complishments in your career you will add to the fame of Alma Mater. In turn, the Latin School has been blessed by the presence of the class of 1987. A class of excellent overall academic ability, you have made your own mark in a special way, in my view, by the great concern for the welfare of the school, and society generally, which you have expressed in an in-depth and broad interest in student affairs at Latin School, and in human problems beyond the school. In tutorial programs, the Buddy System, and endless fundraising activities, you, the members of the class of 1987, have proved that Latin School produces not only excellent students, but also warm caring people who are concerned for one another, and for the society in which they live. I personally have been particularly fortunate in being your teacher, your floormaster and now your Headmaster in this your senior year. In these three different functions, I have come to know the members of this class better than any other in a great many years. It is understandable then that I feel a special bond with the class of 1987. You are my class in a truly unique way. I wish you all the good things in college and in life which you richly deserve. I offer my sincere thanks for all you have done for the school, and my sincere congratulations for all you have accomplished for yourselves. Please retain your interest in the school as alumnae and alumni, and do come back and see us. Joseph F. Desmond 6 Acting Head Master