Our School

A bench honoring the legacy of Brother Patrick Halpin, CSC, the first Principal of Holy Cross High School, was dedicated in the school courtyard on September 17, 2022. Many special guests were in attendance including Brother Harold Hathaway, CSC, Board Chair Kevin McSherry ’75, former Holy Cross President Frank Samuelson ’73, former faculty member Rita McCarthy and members of the classes of 1972 and 1973.

“We, at this time, honor the memory of Brother Patrick,” said Brother Harold Hathaway. “We bless this bench which will remain in the courtyard. It will be used for the quiet use of students and faculty in their reading and silent reflection on the beauty of the nature of the courtyard.”

The creation of the bench was the passion project of Michael Plankey ’72 and Bill Reilly ’72. “This was a class effort,” said Nora J. Mason, Director of Advancement. “However, they were relentless in making sure that Class of 1972 had left certain marks around the school.”

“I’m really proud that the Class of 1973 is represented today,” said Bill. “(Member s of the Class of 1972) were the Eternal Seniors. For three years, they felt like they were the Eternal Underclassmen. We were the only two classes under which the school was led by Brother Patrick, so it is very fitting that they join us today.”

“We are celebrating many firsts today at this special occasion,” said President, Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino. “Brother Patrick was the first Principal. Brother Harold was our first Head of School the Class of 1972 was our first graduating class here. Being a first is a big deal in how we educate our students. They will have opportunities where they will know what it is like to be a first. When I bring students out to the courtyard and show them Brother Patrick’s bench, I will them he was a first and a great role model.”