Cotter ’55 Courage Award from BCHS
Special to the Transcript
Boston College High School is proud to announce that The James E. Cotter ‘55 Courage Award was presented to Winthrop resident Richard (Dick) Gill ’58 during the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony. The award is presented annually to a member of the BC High community in recognition of courage in the face of adversity, tenacious spirit, and force of will.
A man of deep faith, Gill exemplifies the characteristics of a Jesuit-educated man. He has been the leader of a very active and engaged class of 1958 since his days on Morrissey Boulevard. Mr. Gill’s biannual lunch event for his class is eagerly anticipated and well-attended.
Gill’s roots run deep at BC High, as his father, Henry Gill, Sr., was apart of the class of 1923. Two of Dick Gill’s brothers preceded him at the school – Fr. Dave Gill, SJ ’52 and the late Henry Gill, Jr. ’56. In 2017, Mr. Gill’s grandson, David G. Reynolds, became the third generation in his family to graduate from BC High.
Committed to a lifetime in education, Gill spent much of his career as director of admission at Buckingham Brown and Nichols. He also worked at many Catholic schools including a nearly 10-year stint at BC High. His warm smile, humor, and loving affect were often just the thing to sell a family on a Jesuit Catholic education for their sons.
Together with his late wife, Kathy, they raised two daughters in Winthrop where Gill served many roles on local government committees. He was a constant presence at any political fundraiser held by the Democratic party. While serving others was his life’s work, the community rallied around Mr. Gill after he was struck by an MBTA bus on February 9, 2022. He became pinned under the bus, ultimately losing his left leg. Since the accident, Gill has undergone three surgeries and spent nine months between Massachusetts General Hospital and Spalding Rehabilitation Center, all while winning fans among the doctors, nurses, and staff with his sense of humor and positive attitude. Mr. Gill recently returned to his home in Winthrop after months at an independent living facility.
Gill was inducted alongside the following 2022 honorees, each of whom was recognized for their significant contributions to the BC High athletic program:
• David Corcoran, ’88, Soccer
• Michael Kenney ’93, Wrestling
• Brian Fitzgibbons ’01, Football & Lacrosse
• Frank Ustach ’01, Sailing
• Brian O’Hanley ’03, Hockey & Baseball
• Tom Conley ’08, Football & Baseball
• Jake O’Brien ’08, Basketball
• Andrew Tallman ’10, Track & Football
In addition, the school’s highest athletic honors, the Paul J. Hunter ‘53 Man for Others Award, given annually to a person who shows leadership in community, church, and profession, was presented to Tom Cotter ’06 during the induction ceremony.
Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men in grades 7 to 12. Founded in 1863, the school enrolls more than 1,400 students from more than 100 communities in eastern Massachusetts. For more information please visit bchigh.edu.