Honoring Veterans, Father Tom, and Scecina Service Award Recipients
Honoring Veterans, Father Tom, and Scecina Service Award Recipients
Scecina Memorial High School observed Veterans Day with a ceremony filled with gratitude, reverence, and reflection. The school community came together to honor the service of military veterans and remember Father Thomas Scecina’s remarkable legacy, the school’s namesake, and a true example of faith and sacrifice.
Seventh and eighth graders from East Deanery schools—St. Philip Neri, Little Flower, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Holy Spirit—joined the ceremony alongside their teachers, witnessing the impact of service and sacrifice embodied by Father Tom. This Veterans Day event allowed these young students to see firsthand the values of faith and community that Father Tom championed.
One of the most powerful moments in the ceremony was the retelling of Father Tom’s final journey. Eighty years ago, on October 24, he made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. As a military chaplain, Father Tom volunteered to board the Arisan Maru—a Japanese prisoner transport ship bound for a forced labor camp—even though he was not required to do so. He accompanied his fellow prisoners, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to serving others.
Father Tom attended to the spiritual needs of those around him during the ship’s final hours, prioritizing their well-being and peace amid fear. This selfless act has remained a lasting symbol of his love and dedication. In Scecina’s central hall rotunda, his military medals honor his bravery and sacrifice.
The altar displayed a crucifix that Father Tom gave to his nephew on his wedding day in 1940, adding a personal touch to the ceremony. Recently gifted to the school by a family member, it was a poignant reminder of Father Tom’s enduring legacy.
The ceremony then turned to recognition, beginning with active and retired members of the U.S. military in the crowd, including staff members and those with family connections to veterans. They each stood as the community offered respect and gratitude for their service.
The celebration also included the Father Tom Service Award, given to individuals living out his spirit of “Giving That Little Extra.” This year, two dedicated members of the Scecina community were honored: Gia Spaulding and Jim McGuinness ’68.
Gia began working at Scecina on a temporary assignment in 1997, but her commitment grew over 27 years. She has played an essential role in managing alumni records, planning events, and overseeing budgets to help fund scholarships and student resources. Her dedication to the Scecina family has impacted her work and her love for the school’s mission.
From left: Principal Dr. Peg Dispenzieri, President Joe Therber, and Gia Spaulding.
Jim McGuinness, a 1968 Scecina graduate, joined as Director of Development in 2005. During Jim’s years at Scecina, the development program has raised nearly $25 million, providing valuable resources to students and faculty. Jim’s journey was not without challenges; he overcame significant health battles with optimism and resilience, reinforcing his devotion to Scecina and its mission.
From left: Principal Dr. Peg Dispenzieri, President Joe Therber, and Jim McGuinness.
As the ceremony concluded, guests were invited to a reception where they shared stories and reflected on the lives of service and sacrifice honored that day. Each recognition underscored the strength of the Scecina community—a community inspired by Father Tom’s legacy and committed to living out his values of faith, service, and love.
