Clinton Graduate Receives Special Honor

Clinton resident James "Jimmy" McNamara, Jr. was honored recently when he received the Xavier High School Loyalty and Service Award.

Xavier is a private, Catholic college preparatory school for boys in Middletown. McNamara recently took part in the school's 45th Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2011.

According to the school, the Xavier Loyalty and Service Award, the most prestigious the school confers, is presented to a member of the graduating class who is chosen by the recommendation of the faculty and staff.

Presenting the award at graduation, leaders of the school acknowledged that, "Loyalty and service are qualities that the school strives to teach all of our young men as these qualities are crucial to the success of our mission statement. The choice is based on the consistency and quality of the student’s service to the Xavier community and the passion and perseverance he has displayed in his commitment to his studies and to all the other aspects that make up the experience of a Xavier High School student. Needless to say, such a student is a school’s most valuable asset."

Brother Ryan of Xavier, said, "The recipient of the Loyalty and Service Award epitomizes everything for which this award stands. For passion and perseverance this young man has few equals. As the Student Activities Council (SAC) Secretary this year, he worked tirelessly on behalf of the entire student body, beginning with the Battle of the Bands in the fall and continuing throughout the year with the numerous activities SAC sponsored. He spearheaded the Black Hole T-shirt campaign and was a vociferous, constant, and enthusiastic member of that cheering squad at basketball and hockey games. His membership on the Peer Ministry team necessitated countless hours on what otherwise could have been free time working on freshmen community days, Sophomore Saturdays, and liturgies and prayer services throughout the year. A mark of the impression he made in that capacity was his choice as one of the two senior speakers at this year’s junior retreat. I asked Mr. Cerreta to predict what this impressive young man might prioritize as his outstanding, positive memories of senior year. He wagered the list would be topped by his participation on Xavier’s state championship football team. Mr. Cerreta then suggested that the second and third place memories most likely could include cashing out Tina Charles, the former UCONN star, at the Polo Outlet at Clinton Crossing or perhaps upgrading his parking spot on the final day of school to the administrative level, perhaps to be closer to the terminal. This young man is respected and admired by the entire Xavier community, and his genuine concern and dedication will be sorely missed. Our loss is Assumption College’s gain. It is my pleasure to announce the 2011 recipient of the Xavier Loyalty and Service Award, the son of Sharon and James McNamara of Clinton, James F. McNamara, Jr."

When not at school, McNamara has been spearheading a program to raise money for the care of his friend, Zachary Bernier, who was injured in a fall at a state park just days after his own high school graduation from The Morgan School.

Please send your congratulations to Jimmy McNamara!