Students and faculty were treated to a special lunch prepared by Chef Philippe of Cliffbreakers restaurant as part of World Language week. Chef Philippe prepared a chicken crepe composed of diced chicken saute’d with cremini mushrooms, caramelized onions and garlic with whole grain dejohn crème sauce. Side dishes included baby red potatoes with rosemary and garlic and sweet baby glazed carrots with sugar snap peas.

Mrs. Denise Widell, Boylan’s food service manager, hopes to invite other guest chefs from the area. Mrs. Widell said,“I want to thank Chef Philippe for a wonderful meal and a send a special thanks to Mr. Philip Martorana who organized the event.”

Vincent McGuire, Area Superintendent / Principal Boylan Central Catholic HS, Rockford, Illinois

A product of Catholic schools, Vincent McGuire is an institution. Now in his 46th year at Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois, it is estimated that during his career as coach, teacher, Dean of Students, Executive Vice Principal, and Principal, Vince McGuire has been a positive force in the lives of more than 19,000 students. Vince came to Boylan Central Catholic as a coach and teacher which, according to Msgr. John Mitchell, “probably accounts for his booming voice and seemingly limitless energy.” It took only three years for the administrative gifts of this emerging leader to be recognized. In 1965, Vince was promoted to Dean of Students and the rest, as we like to say, is history!

As an educational leader, Vince has demonstrated again and again his versatility and ability to navigate change. He was a key figure in helping Boylan navigate through the turbulent 60’s and 70’s, the growth-filled 80’s and 90’s and successfully make the leap into the ever-changing 21st century. From faculties consisting of priests and religious, classrooms with chalkboards, libraries with card catalogs, and a tuition rate of $5 per month, he now leads a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence with a substantial endowment fund, an almost wholly lay faculty, the high tech environment of Smart Boards, interactive web sites, and digital ID’s.

Despite all the changes, however, Vince has never wavered in his quest for educational excellence and has ensured that the Catholic identity of the school remains sacrosanct. In the eyes of many, his most outstanding contribution to secondary education is the example of a genuinely Catholic man he models for the students of Boylan Central Catholic.

As an educator, Vince McGuire has touched the hearts and influenced the lives of his students. According to Paul Logli, Circuit Court Judge for the State of Illinois – a 1967 graduate of Boylan Central Catholic – Vince’s greatest gift is his ability to “make a positive and life long impression on his students.” Lawrence Morrissey, mayor of the City of Rockford, Illinois, echoes those sentiments by saying, “The spirit of a Boylan Titan is to never give up, reach for excellence, overcome challenges, lead and serve. I can’t think of a single person who better embodies the Boylan spirit and ethic than Vince McGuire.”