Strong leadership, new heights in academic achievement translating to more prestigious matriculation, campus improvements, and healthy parent and alumni participation has put Catholic Memorial on solid ground for its next chapter.
Since its founding in 1957, Catholic Memorial has steadfastly upheld a commitment to faith-based values and high academic standards. Over the past decade, the institution has continued to live out that commitment as well as thrive through visionary investment, innovative thinking, and dutiful leadership working in lockstep. Today, CM continues to fulfill its mission of shaping the lives of young men, enjoying unprecedented success across academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities.
“CM is undergoing a Renaissance,” says President Dr. Peter Folan. “The school has embraced a vision of excellence in all endeavors. We are focused on teaching and learning, creating spaces that serve our boys, and ensuring they have access to world-class teachers and coaches who inspire and transform their lives.”
This commitment to progress is visible the moment visitors approach the high school building. What was once a simple entryway has been transformed into the vibrant Hegarty Plaza, where teachers hold classes and students gather for a game of hacky sack between periods. To the far right of the building stands the Yawkey Center for Integrated and Applied Learning (CIAL), an $11 million project that converted the former living quarters of the Christian Brothers into a modern learning facility for the school’s signature pedagogical philosophy, Knight Based Learning. As Dr. Folan once said about the space, “Think Catholic school on the outside and Google on the inside.”
“We want visitors to experience our approach to education firsthand, without needing an explanation,” says Assistant Head of School and Director of Operations Brian Palm. “The Yawkey Center encourages exploration in fields like engineering, robotics, theater, videography, and computer science, while also providing spaces for group and quiet work with thoughtfully designed nooks throughout the building.”
As Palm notes, the design of these spaces is driven by the school’s academic needs, with future plans reflecting a philosophy that promotes building creative and flexible spaces for multiple subjects. Upon its completion in the 2025- 26 school year, the courtyard behind the high school will feature a pavilion, prayer garden, and two 800-square-foot classrooms for the robotics team and performing arts programs, replacing the current mobile classrooms. Additionally, the parking lot and traffic flow will be redesigned to improve convenience for the entire school community. Campus Ministry has also seen significant transformation since the completion of the Yawkey Center. Previously tucked away in a small office next to CM Academic Resource Center, the Campus Ministry office is now centrally located near the main lobby, across from the chapel.
“The goal was to create a space that students and faculty would frequently pass by, where they could experience a welcoming atmosphere of faith and joy,” says Campus Ministry Director Will Healy. “Dr. Folan envisioned a space that would be at the heart of the school, both symbolically and physically.”
The ministry’s approach has evolved, expanding beyond the Senior Capstone Project to create a formative experience for all grades. Retreats have become more interactive, featuring breakout sessions and games that foster student engagement and interaction over passive listening. The peer ministry program, a leadership initiative for juniors and seniors, has grown significantly. This year, over 120 students are serving as peer ministers, a 20 percent increase since 2016. Catholic Memorial’s athletics have also experienced significant growth and revitalization. While competitive, the facilities needed attention. Over the last decade, the Perry Gymnasium underwent extensive upgrades, including a new roof, lights, court improvements, and state championship banners. Since 2022, both Todesca Field and Br. McKenna Field at O’Connor Stadium have been completely refurbished and resurfaced, and the Walsh ‘61 Field House was built, featuring an indoor turf field and Jack Dahlstrom ’63 weight room. The former weight room is now the school’s health and wellness center.
“Upgrading our athletic facilities has been a key investment in the health and success of our student-athletes,” says Dr. Folan. “The new turf fields, modernized gymnasium, and the state-of-the-art Walsh ’61 Field House provide our teams with the best possible resources to train and compete at the highest level. These improvements not only enhance our performance on the field but also help reduce the risk of injury, ensuring that athletes can train safely and effectively. This commitment to excellence in facilities directly supports our broader mission of developing well-rounded students, both academically and athletically. The improved facilities also instilled something that was key: pride. Pride in their school and what was possible through their hard work.”
These investments have paid off in trophies and championships, including 20 conference titles, three football Super Bowls in four years, and state championships in basketball and indoor track and field. Academically, Catholic Memorial continues to ascend, producing well-rounded young men who are prepared for success. Under Dr. Folan’s leadership, the school has significantly expanded its Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, allowing more students to experience college-level courses. Since this push, the number of students taking AP courses has doubled, with over 200 students enrolled today. The number of AP courses has grown from three to 17.
“The way we teach has changed,” says Social Studies Department Chair Dr. Vincent Bradley. “It’s no longer about the teacher being the center of attention. We’ve moved toward a model where students are active participants—engaged in conversation, asking questions, and driving the learning process.”
These academic advances, combined with a data-driven approach to college counseling, have led to dramatic improvements in college admissions. While half of the Class of 2014 was accepted into selective colleges, that number has risen to 90 percent for the Class of 2024. Today, 40 percent of graduating seniors are accepted to the most competitive colleges, compared to just eight percent a decade ago.
“Our curriculum and leadership have focused on preparing students for the challenges of college and beyond,” says Director of Counseling and Student Success Jack O’Keefe. “By pushing students to take on more rigorous coursework, we ensure they are well-prepared for the academic demands of the nation’s top universities.”
The successes of Catholic Memorial are not the result of one individual, but the collective effort of a dedicated community. High academic achievement requires exceptional educators, championship banners come from modern facilities to support student-athletes, and transformative upgrades are made possible through visionary leadership.
“It has been a real joy working with Dr. Folan,” says CM Board Chair Kevin Costello ’63. “I appreciate his empathy and his desire to move the ball forward by improving our academics, co-curriculars, and athletics. CM has become a more dynamic and energetic place, and it shows in the young men of our school.”
Safe to say that Catholic Memorial is an institution that is poised to make its next decade one that will benefit from all that has been achieved and currently sits in place.
