Celebrating Faculty & Staff Milestones

Mar 24 2025

During the Spirit Week Pep Rally on Friday, March 14, the CCHS Community celebrated several faculty and staff members for achieving milestones this academic year.

Thank you for your commitment to our students, to your profession, and to the mission of Central Catholic and the Marist Brothers!

Photo Album: Celebrating Faculty & Staff Milestones

March 14 - Spirit Week - Pep Rally

Click here to view and download photos on Raider SmugMug.

Mr. David DeFillippo '66

Advancement & Alumni Office

55 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, President

"Okay, so now you know how old I am. Well, our next presentation is for someone who was MY guidance counselor, my driver’s ed teacher, and eventually, my colleague, my boss, and always my friend.

"Through the years, Mr. D has taught English and math, he was a guidance counselor and the Director of School Counseling, he served as the de facto admissions director, keeper of our history, and as the very first principal of Central Catholic who was not a Marist Brother. His personal history is so entwined with our school's that it is hard to remember a time when his impact was not immediate and powerful."

"Many of you today see Mr. DeFillippo around the school, but you may not know how much he still does to make Central Catholic accessible for so many young people. He is an important member of the Advancement Team. He has written and applied for thousands of grants to raise money to help keep our tuition costs down and to help countless young people afford a CCHS education. No one knows as much about our school as he does, and no one sings the alma mater with as much passion, love, and personal investment."

"I believe he has surpassed the 50-year mark at this point, but for making Central a better place for more than half a century, Mr. Dave DeFilippo, we salute you!"

Ms. Jeanne Burns

Administration

50 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, President

"Fifty years seems like a long time, and it is. But it's just a number, and it is almost impossible to quantify what Ms. Jeanne Burns has done for the Central Catholic community during her 50 years."

"She has been an incredible teacher, and eventually, a mentor to so many teachers who have come to our school since. I can personally tell you that as a young administrator so many yewars ago, I might not have made it through the first few weeks, never mind the first year, if her office were not next to mine. My first year as an assistant principal, I wore out a path from my office to hers seeking her advice and counsel."

"As our Academic Dean today, she runs the academic program for all 1,200 of you, and she does her darndest to make your Central journey just that, YOURS as an individual. She approaches your struggles with empathy, understanding and compassion, and she celebrates your successes more than you can possibly imagine."

"She has been a leader at Central Catholic even before she was given a title or the responsibilities that she has carried through the years. Her vision and hard work were the backbone of our transition to a coeducational institution. Who we are as a school today is a direct reflection of the countless hours she has put in, her creative vision and determination to see that vision put into practice."

"Fifty is just a number, but long after Ms. Burns retires, the impact of the work she has done on behalf of Central Catholic will be felt by thousands of future Raiders."

Mr. Robert Jowett '80

Science Department

40 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, President

"When it comes to setting the bar high for students, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who does it the way Mr. Bob Jowett does. But here’s the thing... yes, he expects a lot out of you... but then he gives you the tools to reach those lofty goals. Every upper class student who has had him for biology knows that you are now better at time management, at organizing your study habits and in general, you are a better student because of the time you spent in room 312."

"Football and track athletes know that he carries these same expectations onto the field or the track. He shows you what you are capable of, and he refuses to let you sell yourself short. You work hard for him because he works hard for you."

"Our school has a lot of dedicated and loyal alumni, but there may be no more loyal a son of Central Catholic than Bob Rob Jowett. I for one am grateful to call him my friend. For 40 years of challenging us to be better, Mr. Jowett, we say thank you!"

Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81

President

40 Years of Service

Presentation by Ms. Jeanne Burns, Academic Dean

"Mr. Sullivan is more than an educator, administrator, and coach - he is a mentor, a role model, and a guiding light for generations of students."

"His legacy is one defined by faith, leadership, and an unwavering love for Central Catholic. His deep faith and commitment to the Marist charism are evident in everything he does."

"Over the past 40 years he has inspired students to contribute to all aspects of school life and to always serve others with compassion and integrity."

Mr. Michael Clements '94

English Department

25 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, President

"Back in the fall of 1990, I was fortunate enough to be one of the freshman football coaches. There was a player on that team who was way too small to play on the line, but we couldn’t figure out a way to keep him off the field. He was tough, intelligent and one of the hardest workers I had ever coached. Today, he is still one of the most intelligent and hardest workers I have ever met. He also happens to be the Chair of the English Department here at Central."

"If you have been fortunate enough to have Mr. Clements in class, then you have learned how to think, how to be respectfully critical, and how to laugh. His classroom is a place where students are encouraged to take risks. Most importantly, he gets to know his students and the athletes he coaches and respects them for the people they are, even as he helps them become better versions of themselves."

"For 25 years, Mr. Clements has made Central students and athletes better people, and he has made our school a better place. For 25 years of dedication to your alma mater, Mr. Mike Clements, we say, 'Thank you!'"

Mr. Dennis King

Science Department

25 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, President

In every school community, there are individuals who everyone – students and teachers alike – know they can count on. Mr. Dennis King is exactly that stabilizing force for all of us here at Central. His students know exactly what is expected of them, and they know he will spend as much time as necessary to help them understand…and I emphasize that word… UNDERSTAND – the material he presents.

Members of the Science Department know what I am talking about. Their fearless leader, he is there for his colleagues when they need him, while giving them the tools and the autonomy to be creative and innovative in their own classrooms.

What many of you students might not know is that Mr. King has also left a deep legacy in Central’s athletics. Many of the current successes of our celebrated wrestling program can be traced to the foundations he set for so many years. A member of the Massachusetts Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Coach Dennis King shared his expertise, inspiration, and patience with many generations of Central athletes.

Dennis, on behalf of all of us at Central, thank you for sharing of yourself for 25 years, and congratulations!

Graphic highlighting 25 years of service

Ms. Colette Madore

World Languages Department

25 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, President

"For 25 years, Ms. Colette Madore has been more than a teacher and a coach — she has been a mentor, a motivator, and a steadfast believer in the potential of her students and runners. She sets high expectations, not just to challenge them, but because she truly believes in their ability to rise to the occasion."

"Her belief in her students is unwavering. She sees their strengths even when they can’t, pushes them when they doubt themselves, and celebrates their victories—both big and small—with the same passion. Whether in the classroom or on the track, Colette inspires those around her to dig deeper, push harder, and dream bigger."

"Her impact goes far beyond lessons and races. It is felt in the confidence she instills, the resilience she nurtures, and the lifelong lessons she imparts. She has shaped not just students and athletes, but future leaders, instilling in them the courage to face challenges head-on. As one of her athletes recently shared with us, 'her ability to see the potential in each and every one (us) incredible… She truly is our biggest fan.'"

"Colette, your dedication, belief, and passion have made all the difference. Congratulations on 25 years of inspiring excellence, shaping lives, and always believing in those lucky enough to be led by you."

Mr. Felix Nunez

Building & Grounds

25 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Andrew Murray, Principal

"Each and every day, I have the special opportunity to work with a lot of people in this building. Today we celebrate 25 years of dedicated service to Central Catholic for Mr. Felix Nunez. In all of my time here, I have rarely seen Felix without a smile, a handshake, or a wave, as he goes about his duties each day to keep this school functioning properly and clean. His job, along with those on his team, is often overlooked and taken for granted. We show up each day, and everything is where it is supposed to be. We leave lunch after 90 minutes and 1,200 students, and within 45 minutes, the Baroni Hall is clean and ready for cheerleading practice or wrestling practice. We walked in here today, and there is seating arranged for us. We 'know' that it is all taken care of – and he will be the first to say he does not do that alone."

"But, for me, and for a lot of others in the building, Felix is a friend. We chat about our daughters. He always asks about my two daughters – and, Felix, they always ask about you. You have a special talent for engaging everyone that you encounter with a smile and truly model what it means to be Marist and what it means to be Central Catholic."

"Your constant service to our school and faculty is inspiring to me and to everyone that works here and has come through our halls. We don’t always get a chance to say thank for that on a daily basis, but today, we celebrate you and thank you for 25 years of dedication."

Mr. John Sears

Social Students Department

25 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Andrew Murray, Principal

"When I started at Central Catholic 18 years ago as a 'new' math teacher, I was lucky enough to meet Mr. John Sears. As we celebrate John for his 25 years of service, I have had the ability to cultivate that first meeting into an incredible friendship. He has been involved in many aspects of this school. In athletics, he has served as the varsity soccer coach and the JV softball coach (where I had the pleaser of assisting him over the past two years). Outside of sports, he directed two musicals in the Theatre Guild and also served as the tech director for two additional shows. He has served as a faculty representative on the Faculty Negotiating Team, representing the needs of the faculty in contract negotiations, and served as the moderator for Mock Trial for four years."

"He has worked diligently to perfect his craft in all areas – be it the classroom or on the field, his dedication to Central Catholic, its faculty and students is always present. He truly cares about his students and his athletes and works with a focus on helping students and athletes improve each and every day. He has regularly been commended for creating a classroom where students are engaged and focused, creating classroom experiences that are student-centered."

"John – the time, energy, and dedication to this school and our students is appreciated immensely. Congratulations on 25 years of inspiring our students and athletes, as well as the adults you encounter daily. Thank you."

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share to Pinterest Share to Email Print this page