Homecoming Awards

By: Mac Kennedy ‘76

February 4, 2020, marked what would have been the 100th birthday of the late former Headmaster Jack H. Williams ‘38. When Will Alokones ‘20 realized it was the revered Headmaster’s 100th birthday, it gave him an idea. His idea was for the entire School to celebrate Mr. Williams’ 100th birthday, and so began the planning for a birthday party honoring his life and legacy.

On the evening of February 4, over 150 members of the BL community, including Mr. Williams’ family, came to the Julian S. Smith Alumni House for a night of remembrance and celebration. Kyle Gore, a current trustee and student under Mr. Williams, spoke about the last time he saw Mr. Williams and the kindness he showed all the boys. Headmaster Chris Post made closing remarks on the impact Jack Williams had on Boys’ Latin throughout the years, “Were it not for his visionary leadership and his courageous spirit, Boys’ Latin would not be here today. And the rest, as they say, is history. More than 175 years of history.”

During the day, the boys were treated to cake and cupcakes, as well as a history lesson from Mr. Post on Mr. Williams’ life and legacy.

Alumni who attended BL during Mr. Williams’ tenure as Headmaster (19621978) know that this great School would not exist had it not been for Mr. Williams. He found and secured the finances to buy and relocate the School from Brevard Street to our location here on Lake Avenue. Headmaster Williams was a special man. A kind man. Longtime BL Classics Department Chair John Bowling H’10, who passed away in 2017 after serving 50 years at BL, said it best. He wrote, “Mr. Williams’ philosophy that Boys’ Latin was here to serve students and not the other way around prevented the kinds of chauvinistic appeals that make an idol of an institution at the expense of the individual. Each person was respected for who he was, and not merely for an athletic or academic prominence he happened to possess.”

Jack Williams’ Day also provided opportunities for the BL community to give back to the School in his honor. Several generous donors agreed to match dollar for dollar any new or increased gift – up to $50k. The BL community responded with generosity, helping the School raise over $125k in honor of our beloved former Headmaster. The Class of 2020 boasted one hundred percent participation, and their collective gift was matched by two additional donors raising an extra $10k for the School.

What a great day, February 4, 2020 was for Boys’ Latin School. Thank you, Jack Williams!