Dr. Folan Presents School Crossing Guard Jackie Cantanesi with Honorary Gift

West Roxbury, Mass.— Catholic Memorial School President Dr. Peter Folan honored Boston city crossing guard Jackie Cantanesi for her decade-long service at CM after a schoolwide Mass on Friday morning in the Ronald S. Perry Gymnasium.

“I am impressed each day with the way that Jackie does the little things so well, how she cares for the community and helps to define this culture,” said Dr. Folan to the student body.

“She is a person of high character who embraces the ethos of this school. There is much that we can learn from her love of life and her commitment to caring for each of you.”

Ms. Cantanesi patrols the sidewalk from Donahue Hall to the high school campus every morning before school begins. Earlier in the week, Dr. Folan had received a phone call from a neighbor who drove by the school and noticed Ms. Cantanesi at her post.

The neighbor praised Ms. Cantanesi for her, “joy, enthusiasm, commitment, and care for her craft,” according to Dr. Folan.

Prior to Ms. Cantanesi receiving her award, Fr. Jack Butler, S.J., the Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Boston College, celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at CM’s school-wide Mass. After Fr. Butler’s final procession, Dr. Folan explained the importance of building character in today’s ever-changing world. He then pointed to Ms. Cantanesi as a role model for why “Character Matters” on the Baker Street campus.

When Dr. Folan called upon Ms. Cantanesi to receive a gift in her honor, the entire student body responded with a standing ovation.

“It is important for each of us to always say, ‘thank you’ to those who care for us,” said Dr. Folan.

“We must remember that character matters, and it also requires that we have the humility to thank those who give so much to us each day.”