• May 30
  DC Alumni Networking Reception

Register with BLSA Online to update your contact information, sign up for an event and make a secure, online gift even more quickly! First Timers: Register now if you do not yet have a User ID and Password. Returning Users: Log in at BLSA Online today.

View more news stories online.

The BLS Bookstore is now online! Find the link to the Bookstore under the Community menu in the top banner of BLS.org or via bls.org/bookstore.

Marathon Monday’s tragedy leaves us shaken and grieving for the scores of individuals and families whose lives have been altered by this senseless inhumanity. The Boston Latin School community of alumni, students and families extends its sympathies to the victims of the tragedy while we are lifted by the spirit of fraternity, resilience and strength that has characterized our city and our school for nearly four centuries.

"For well over three centuries, Latin School has continued to be one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the nation. Despite changing political currents and fluctuating economic policies that modified family life and social customs from one generation to another, the Latin School remained steadfastly the same." These were sentiments penned by Boston historian and Distinguished Graduate, the now late, Thomas H. O’Connor ’42 for the 375th anniversary. They still ring true today.

Read more from his complete essay and spend some time reflecting on the remarkable institution we are fortunate to call alma mater as BLS marks its 378th anniversary.

In a national competition in March with schools as far away as Virginia and Wisconsin participating, the Junior Classical League Novice team took first place and Intermediate team took second place. Class V student Peter Wang earned an MVP award for the Novice division.

Meet Fehintola, a senior, who served as a Global Leader in Guatemala or Annie, a junior, who helped bring smiles to children in Ecuador or read about 15 BLS students who spent February vacation helping to revitalize New Orleans. Follow the interesting stories of our young engaged citizens on our website.

In Science news, the BLS Robotics Team, the NUTRONs, won the 2013 FIRST Boston Regional Competition and earned a bid to the World Championships. Four student scientists are off to the Intel International Science Fair in Arizona this May after a great showing at the city science fair. 

BLS has begun offering lacrosse to boys and girls at the junior varsity level on a trial basis. Both boys' hockey and girls' basketball represented BLS well in MIAA tournament play. Your support fuels their success in and out of the classroom. Go Wolfpack!

Seventh-grader Ina Beinborn became the first girl to win the city of Boston spelling bee. She will go on to represent BLS at the national spelling bee in the Washington, D.C. area later this spring.

Congrats to the BLS Big Band on its win at the Charles Mingus High School Festival Finals in New York in February. This is a competition showcasing young jazz talent from high schools across the country and Canada. Big Band also just won gold at the MAJE State Finals. Thanks to everyone who supports all of our fine young musicians!

Paul English '82, co-founder of Kayak.com, was back at Latin School in February for the first time in 31 years inspiring Classes I and II at the NHS induction. The group welcomed 90 new members into its ranks. With great humor and nostalgia, English reflected on his own days at BLS while reminding today's students how fortunate they are to study at alma mater.

Class V student Jennifer Browne, winner of the Purple Lady Prize for Passion and Proficiency in Geography, which qualified her for the state level National Geographic Bee.

Three student thespians earned All-Star Cast Awards for their work in "White Telephone," the BLS entry in the Mass. Educators Theater Guild competition. Fifteen BLS students won Boston Globe Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Visit blsarts.org for the latest on BLS arts.

Physics teachers Aaron Osowiecki and Jesse Southwick '94 presented aspects of their Energizing Physics curriculum at two recent national conferences of science educators: the Physics Teacher Education Coalition Conference in Baltimore, MD and the National Science Teachers Association National Conference in San Antonio, TX. In addition, they have signed a contract with Bedford, Freeman & Worth to publish Energizing Physics and distribute it nationally.

What does "sumus primi" mean to Earth Science Master Maggie Greaves? "Our students are first because they are the finest in the city and in the country. Therefore, we owe it to our students to provide them with the finest education." Make your gift today to support the work of Ms. Greaves and her colleagues and assure that "sumus primi" is more than just a motto.

Congress has re-authorized the provision that allows you to make a 2013 tax-free gift by December 31, 2013, from your IRA to BLSA. This means you have a new source of tax-advantaged funds to use to make a gift. If you’re 70½ or older, find out how your charitable giving just got easier! For the 2012 tax year, you only have until January 31, 2013, to complete your gift. Act today! For more detailed information, contact Elizabeth Cahn, gift planning advisor, directly at (617) 450-0004 x38 or visit the website.

Thank you to everyone who responded to our January question: Which BLS distinguished graduate was well known for his contributions to the development of instant photography as well as academia, serving as Brandeis’ first chair for the school of science, first dean of the faculty and its first university professor? Congratulations to Pei Huang ’04 who was first in with the correct answer: Saul G. Cohen ’33.

Visit the Points of Pride Contest webpage to see the answers to past questions as well as all of our proud winners.

The Harry V. Keefe Jr. Library Media Center at BLS is a beautiful oasis that enhances our students' abilities to conduct research, instills a love of reading and supports all facets of 21st century academic learning. In honor of School Libraries Month ...

April's question:
Can you name the head master who developed the early beginnings of the BLS Library? Extra credit will be awarded for knowing the correct year.

Participants should send responses — including name and class year — magna cum celeritate via e-mail. We’ll be happy to reward the first correct responder with a small BLS item! Note: Alumni may win only once during an academic year.