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The Rev. Martin G. Shaughnessy, S.J., Ignatian Educator of the Year Award
John Hanrahan honored for his Jesuit ideals
Tim Peterson ’13, Student Government President, John Hanrahan and Fr. Jack Hanwell, S.J.
John Hanrahan came to Fairfield Prep in the fall of 1983 by
way of El Paso, Texas where he taught Social Studies. The
Hanrahans are natives of Stamford, CT, and John’s brother,
Christopher ’85 and his son, John Paul ’98, are Prep grads.
John taught in the Social Studies Department for 17 years
serving as its Chair from 1990 to 1999. In the fall of 2000, John
became a guidance counselor first serving as the Director of the
Academic Center for one year and then junior/senior counselor
through the present. In 2004, John was named Dean of Guidance
and College Advising.
During his 30 years of service at Prep, John has distinguished
himself as a man of competence, conscience and compassion.
He truly exemplifies the profile of an Ignatian Educator by:
Animating the Ignatian Vision, Caring for the Individual,
Modeling Ignatian Pedagogy, Discerning Ways of Teaching and
Learning, and Building Community and Fostering Collaboration.
John quintessentially embodies the Ignatian vision of the
school by his selfless service to the Prep community and to its
many community service projects and global missions. John has
participated in several Urban Plunges, as well as global missions
to Ecuador, El Salvador and The Border Links Program. He has
attended the Ignatian Teach-In and Kairos, Sophomore, and
Leadership Retreats. In addition, he works with members of the
Jesuit Volunteer Corp assigned to Bridgeport. This selfless service
extends to his involvement in the extracurricular life of the
school. For 26 years, he coached freshman, JV and varsity soccer.
He also founded the Political Awareness Club that publishes the
newspaper “Zeitgeist.”
All who interact with John remember him for his open and
friendly demeanor and his true care and concern for all. John’s
office door is always open to faculty, students and parents alike.
So much so, that John is often the first one to arrive at Prep and
the last one to leave even during vacation times. Anytime I need
information on a student, I consult with John. He never fails to
amaze me with the depth and breadth of knowledge that he has
for not only current Prep students but also alumni. At a recent
sporting event attended by many of our alumni, John not only
remembered all of their names but also the colleges that they
were attending!
As a graduate of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association’s
Ignatian Leadership Seminars, John is thoroughly familiar
with Ignatian pedagogy and the Ignatian vision of the school.
He is a highly respected educational leader whose advice is
sought on issues of professional development, curriculum,
and extracurricular and co-curricular programs. As a member
of the Academic Council and in meetings of the Chairs of
the Academic Departments, he always provides a student
perspective in the decision making process. His counsel is
valued and carefully considered by all.
John has the unique ability to build the Prep community
by being inclusive and by working collaboratively with a
variety of Prep constituencies. He is a major supporter of the
SEED program which celebrates our diversity – a key national
initiative of the Jesuit Secondary Education. He is integrally
involved in creating a safe school environment where students
treat one another with respect regardless of their preferences
and differences. He serves on the Admissions Committee that
reviews over 500 applications for admissions to Prep. He is also
a member of the Financial Aid Committee that distributes over
2.2 million dollars in tuition assistance to families in need.
Professional, competent, dedicated, caring, and supportive
are some of the adjectives that come to mind in describing John.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving to receive
the Award of Ignatian Educator of the Year!
By Dr. Robert Perrotta, Principal
16 Prep Today