Servant dedicated his career, his passion and his many talents to the Bishop Feehan High School community for 44 years, culminating that career with an 11-year run as the school’s first President. Before that, he served in virtually every role at the school -- beloved teacher, enthusiastic coach, director of advancement and Principal. Servant’s fingerprints can be seen on almost every development at the highly-successful school over the past 20+ years.
“Chris exemplifies what it means to believe in a mission and put every ounce of talent and energy into that mission,” says Feehan’s current President, Tim Sullivan ‘87. “For Chris, that mission was Catholic education. He believes in it, and he lives it. And he’s a perfect choice to receive the honor named after his long-time friend and colleague, Sister Pat. His impact here will never be forgotten.”
Like Sister Pat and like so many of the faculty and staff who choose to make Feehan their career homes, Servant’s time at Feehan was driven by his faith and the chance to share that faith with young people for generations. He shared that faith in many ways, most notably by how he has lived his life and the example he sets for others.
The Sister Patricia M. Harrington, RSM Hero of Catholic Education Award was established by Bishop Feehan High School in 2017 to honor a champion of Catholic education who makes significant contributions in service of Catholic schools and the Church. Sister Pat — who passed away in 2015 — was a legendary figure in the Feehan community: her example of faith, love and mercy set a standard at Feehan for nearly 40 years and will be remembered always. Sister Pat herself (posthumously) was the first recipient of the award.
Servant’s name will join Sister Pat’s and last year’s honoree -- Providence College President, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. -- on a permanent plaque of honorees that will be displayed prominently at the school. All honorees will be remembered at the Gala each year.
“The Sister Pat award is Feehan’s highest honor,” Sullivan said. “Our honorees each year embody the ideals that have allowed Catholic schools to thrive for decades and decades and remind us of the impact one person, like Sister Pat, can make. Hero of Catholic education? Hero of Bishop Feehan? Chris Servant certainly qualifies perfectly in both categories.”
The Gala itself has become the central annual community event of the Feehan year, welcoming more than 600 people to celebrate the Feehan community and support the school.
“The Setting Our Hearts Gala is a one-night event that celebrates all things Feehan – our students, our community, our mission, and our vision for the future,” Feehan Director of Advancement Dave Curtis said.
Besides the Hero of Catholic Education award, other highlights of the evening will include an elegant dinner, a limited live auction, a $10,000 cash raffle, a live band, dancing and a host of surprises.. For more information and to purchase tickets or tables, visit BishopFeehan.com/SettingOurHearts or contact Dave Curtis 508.226.7411 x 135.
