Brogan: Brady Pride!

Bishop Brady High School opened its doors 46 years ago as a Regional high school. Prior to 1963, students in local Parochial schools including St. John's, St. Peter's and Sacred Heart, attended St. John's High School.

Brady quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Both scholastically and athletically, the school quickly chalked up respect and awards. The phrase "Brady Pride" took on an important meaning to students on Columbus Avenue and a close-knit community was formed. Bob Stuart, an esteemed actor and director with the Community Players, a local theatrical group, arrived on the scene in 1964 to direct students in a variety of theatrical endeavors. Like the numerous sports teams, these staged ventures won a slew of awards in numerous competitions.

My four years as a student at Brady are among the fondest memories I have in my life. The school strived and was successful in making each student, whatever their interest, feel a part of the educational experience offered by the school. The connections formed during those years have remained strong with the passage of time.

I am sure that everyone feels the same way about the school they attended but more than once I've been told that I seem to exude a certain sparkle whenever the name of Bishop Brady High School is brought up. In the past 5 years I have taught a class for OLLI at Granite State College entitled, "Growing Up Catholic". For the more than 200 total who have taken that class, my recounting of the "Brady Years" is one of their favorite parts of the class.

During the past few years I have returned to speak to a Public Speaking Class as well as to donate a copy of my new book The Concord Theatre and Concord's Love Affair with the Movies, to the library in the school. Fifty years ago I mentioned to one of the nuns, who taught at the school, that I'd love to have a book written by me in the school library one day.

It was typical of the encouragement we all received from the teachers that her response was, "If you really want it to happen, I have no doubt you can do it."

I also returned a couple of years ago for a reason that is truly indicative of why Brady remains a sterling example of never forgetting what truly matters.

Several years ago the school dedicated a wall honoring Veterans of both St. John's High School and Bishop Brady High School. It was the result of tireless work by many members of the school's community, past and present. Along with the many trophies and other awards that line the hallway and gymnasium of the school, this Wall pays tribute to the courage and inspiration of the many former students, still living and those no longer with us, who proudly served the United States of America.

I was honored to be the speaker a couple of years ago at the event, which has become an annual tradition at the school. When I first stood before the Wall and saw my name listed amongst so many others, I was overcome with emotion. To a great extent, many of the life lessons we learned in the classrooms at St. John's and Brady, instilled in us a desire to unselfishly serve.

This Friday (November 8) the school will once again pay tribute to its Veterans. I'll be there, of course, as will many, many others. For many of us, there is a hope that we can inspire a new generation to "step-up" and heed the call, whatever that call might be.

Thank you Bishop Brady High School for remembering "us" but also for continuing to create an environment that is welcoming for everyone. As Veteran's Day approaches, I salute all veterans for their service. You are not forgotten.