Hall of Honors

Dr. George Milot’s lifelong dedication to Catholic education has left an enduring mark on Bishop Stang High School, the Diocese, and countless students, families, and educators he has served over more than four decades. His career reflects visionary leadership, deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of Catholic schools.

 

A graduate of Coyle High School in Taunton, George continued his education at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA and went on to earn several advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University. Armed with both academic expertise and a passion for formation, he devoted the majority of his professional life to Catholic education.

 

George’s connection to Bishop Stang High School began in 1966, when he joined the school as a teacher and coach. His leadership abilities quickly became evident, and in 1974, he was named principal of Bishop Stang - the first lay principal of the Diocese, a role he held until 1982. During his tenure, he guided the school through years of growth and transition while remaining firmly rooted in its Catholic identity and educational mission.

 

George’s legacy as a veteran Catholic school educator and administrator is enduring and deeply impactful.  Throughout his career, he served in a variety of schools across New England, including Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy in Dorchester and Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, where he served with distinction as principal from 1994 to 2001. His leadership exemplified his ability to balance academic excellence, faith formation, and the cultivation of a strong, faith-centered school community.

 

In January 2002, Bishop Sean P. O’Malley appointed George as Director of the Diocesan Education Department, making him the first layperson to hold the highest education leadership position in the diocese. During a later reorganization, his title was changed to Superintendent of Schools, a role he fulfilled until 2011. In this capacity, he provided guidance and oversight to Catholic schools across the diocese, advocating tirelessly for their vitality, mission, and future.

 

Although he formally retired in June 2011, George’s service to Catholic education did not end. He continued to work part-time with the Alliance for Catholic Education consulting program at the University of Notre Dame, sharing his wisdom and experience to help strengthen Catholic schools nationwide. Dr. Michael O’Connor, Director of PACT (Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers at Providence College), presented George with the Br. Patrick Carey, cfc, Ph.D. Award in Catholic Education.  George is the founder and president of Catholic Education Consultants, a group devoted to helping Catholic schools thrive while planning for the future.

 

George’s extensive knowledge of Catholic schools, broad experience as an educator, and deep commitment to faith-based education have made him a trusted leader and mentor throughout his career. His legacy at Bishop Stang High School and beyond is one of service, innovation, and steadfast dedication to forming young people in both mind and spirit. His induction into the High School Hall of Honors recognizes a career devoted to the mission of Catholic education and a lifetime of leadership that continues to inspire future generations.

Kathy Ruginis has spent a lifetime living and advancing the mission of Bishop Stang High School. Her 38 years of dedicated service stand as a powerful testament to faith-filled leadership, compassionate mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to Catholic education.

 

Throughout her distinguished career at Bishop Stang, Kathy served in numerous roles, including teacher, school counselor, Guidance Director, Head of the Counseling Department, Assistant Principal of Academics, club advisor, and co-creator and leader of the FIAT service program. In every position she held, Kathy was guided by a singular purpose: to ensure that Bishop Stang remained true to its mission and the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame. She worked tirelessly—often the last to leave the building late into the evening—always willing to help anyone in any way she could. She led not by title, but by example, compassion, and quiet strength.

 

Kathy’s impact extended far beyond academics. She was a mentor not only to students but also to faculty and staff, providing thoughtful guidance and steadfast support. One of her most enduring contributions was her role in co-founding Joseph’s Apprentice, a transformative service program in which students, faculty, administrators, and parents spent much of April vacation living at the school and serving the greater New Bedford area. Participants worked in soup kitchens, repaired homes, supported the Audubon Society, and served countless community needs. The program required extensive planning, organization, and fundraising, and it made a profound and lasting difference in the lives of all involved. The Mr. Stang fundraiser was originally created to support this important ministry, which later evolved into the FIAT program that continues today.

 

An Oblate of St. Benedict, Kathy’s life beautifully reflects the Benedictine motto Ora et Labora—“Pray and Work”—as she seamlessly integrates prayer, service, and community into all aspects of her life. Her ministry has included prison outreach, parish leadership, and international mission trips to Nicaragua and Jamaica. She continues to “make known the goodness of God” as Chair and President of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Board in Bristol, Rhode Island, through leadership roles at St. Michael’s School in Fall River, and through active service in her parish as a Eucharistic minister.

 

Kathy’s influence is deeply personal to many. She inspired future educators and counselors, including those who credit her with shaping their own vocational paths through mentorship and example. Her legacy is not measured only in programs created or titles held, but in the countless lives she touched through kindness, faith, and unwavering dedication.

 

Kathy Ruginis’s induction into the Bishop Stang High School Hall of Honors celebrates a woman who dedicated her entire career—and continues to dedicate her life—to the ministry of Catholic education, ensuring that Bishop Stang remains rooted in its mission for generations to come.

Michael O’Brien served Bishop Stang as a teacher, coach, and administrator for many years, impacting countless students along the way. Known for his humility and compassion, Michael led the Varsity Track team to four State Championships and played an instrumental role in the development of the Thanksgiving Food Drive. As Assistant Principal of Students, he helped navigate the school through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and was a strong advocate for creating a respectful and nurturing environment for all students.