On April 16, 2020 Paul Beirne penned this message to his fellow teachers and staff at Rockhurst High School.
Twelve years ago today, Boi went through a 24-hour surgery to remove a tumor on the side of his face. I have only seen him cry three times, one is in the picture below, as he was going into surgery on this date, the other was the first day at Rockhurst as we headed to the door for his first day of school in America. And his freshman year, when due to visa problems he couldn’t attend school for several weeks. As we celebrate this day and the successful surgery, our family and Boi wish to thank the Rockhurst community for everything they have done. There are so many more people that I didn’t include in this email, who have helped him along the way. I would especially like to thank his teachers for their care and patience for him. In many ways, you have made me a better teacher by watching how you have dealt with him.
This picture was taken this morning as he worked on his school work. I asked him every day how he is doing. Yesterday, he was so excited about the Rock and Review sessions. He said, “I miss my friends at school, but I really miss my teachers.” That might be the best compliment we could all get. As we work through these difficult times, make sure you understand that you have an impact on many lives.
Good luck with the Spectacular. I would like to mention Jim and Georgia Lynch, who have supported Boi in many ways. Good people. Every morning, as we come down Ward Parkway and enter the driveway up to school, I hear this, “Welcome to Rockhurst, the Jesuit Preparatory school in Kansas City.” Every morning. Every morning. As we head to the door, this comes out of his mouth, “Committed to Justice, Open to Growth, Loving, Intellectually Competent, Religious” followed by “Let’s go learn something today, Mr. Beirne.” Thanks again.
