At the Honors Convocation held Tuesday, June 5, 2007 an esteemed faculty member received the annual St. Robert Bellarmine Award. George dos Santos, member of the Social Studies Department is this year’s recipient.

The Bellarmine Award is given annually to a member of the Bishop Connolly family-at-large in grateful recognition of this person’s continuing support of the education of the youth at Bishop Connolly High School. In recognizing this awardee’s contribution, the memory of St. Robert Bellarmine is recalled. Bellarmine is remembered as priest, scholar and servant of the Church and noted for his devotion to those most in need. As an educator, his tireless work habits and his commitment to education are notable in this year’s recipient.

Mr. dos Santos is completing his sixth year at Bishop Connolly. A graduate of Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth, Mr. dos Santos completed both his undergraduate and graduate work at Columbian University. He has a Master of Arts degree as well as a Master of Philosophy degree. He is currently completing his doctoral work, again at Columbia.

An energetic teacher, the Bellarmine awardee currently teaches US History and AP World History as well as being moderator of both the Bishop Connolly debate team and mock trial team.

In presenting the award, President Robert Morissette noted Mr. dos Santos’s “energy, caring and compassion while maintaining rigorous course requirements for all his students.” Morissette added, “George is the consummate educator. He cares for his students, his school and his subject matter. His devotion to the faith and his deep regard for learning are an inspiration to colleagues and students alike.” In response to the selection of dos Santos, the assembled students, families and guests provided dos Santos with a standing ovation.