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Burke High School -Boys' Basketball

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Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues,

This past September, I accepted the opportunity to become the Boys' Basketball coach at the Jeremiah E. Burke High school in Dorchester, MA. Having coached collegiately at the D-1 and D-2 levels at schools such as Boston University, Holy Cross, Saint Anselm, and College of Charleston, I have been very fortunate to coach and mentor a wide range of basketball players. As a former Boston Globe player of the year and Division 1 scholarship recipient, I am keenly aware of how critical both guidance and unwavering support can be in shaping the people and players these young men will become. I am excited about sharing both my personal and professional basketball experiences here at the Burke, as we help shape the future of this program and our student team.

Located in an area of Boston that is plagued with poverty and violence, Burke High School has had its share of challenges throughout the years. In 1996, after the school lost its accreditation, then mayor Thomas Menino pledged to transform the school and the entire district. Following a major investment in the school facilities and the academic programs, the Burke regained its accreditation in 1998. The school ended last year with tremendous success, and we recently learned that the Burke has become the first high school in the state to shed its "underperforming " designation.

With no small effort, the administration has put together a team of educators and staff members who all share in the Burke's vision - to provide students with learning experiences that foster a love of learning through the cultivation of critical thinking skills and effective problem solving abilities that can be implemented in their everyday lives.

And the journey is just beginning -

While the Burke continues to improve , my basketball players are still faced with many struggles at home. Every player on my team comes from a single parent household, and many are residing in foster situations.

While I am pleased to see the seeds starting to grow, they currently lack the strong confidence and trust that are fundamental to build a sense of pride and comradery within a team.

Due to the lack of individual and group financial means, my players do not have the ability to purchase new uniforms and other team apparel that I strongly feel would help promote a sense of confidence and pride in being a member of our team . We are surrounded by it with our competition, and I know it has an impact.

Additionally, and, more importantly, my players cannot afford to attend many area basketball camps and recruiting sessions, that could offer them the invaluable opportunity of getting in front of college recruiters. For many, this is the only shot they have at the road to a college education. I am committed to provide my players this option and opening these doors.

My goal as their basketball coach is to give my players a sense of pride in their community, pride in their school, and MOST importantly pride in themselves! I hope to provide them with the real world tools and guidance necessary to encourage them to pursue a college education, and be a caring, responsible member of society. It is what motivated me to take this position, and will hopefully make a difference - one player at a time.

I am reaching out to you to help with this important mission .

My goal is to raise $10,000 to purchase team uniforms, sneakers, socks, hats, winter jackets, sweatpants, bags, t-shirts, balls, and college visits.                     

Donations can be made via this website, or checks made payable to Jeremiah E. Burke High School c/o Boys Basketball can be mailed to the following address:

Jeremiah E. Burke High School
c/o Boys’ Basketball
 60 Washington Street
Dorchester, Massachusetts 02121


Thank you for your time and help.

Warm Regards,

Sean P. Ryan
Boys' Basketball Coach
Jeremiah E. Burke High School

P.S. - All donations are tax-deductible
Non-profit tax ID # 046-001-380
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Donations 

  • Christine Sullivan
    • $25 
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer

Liz Justine Ryan
Organizer
Boston, MA

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