At Xaverian, service takes many forms. Sometimes it means rallying an entire community around a cause close to the heart; other times, it begins with one student recognizing a need and deciding to act.

On May 9, 2026, the Xaverian community came together for a day rooted in purpose and hope. Hosted by the Xaverian baseball program, Hawks X-Out Cancer: Together for Teddie brought together students, families, alumni, and friends to support the fight against childhood cancer.

At the heart of the day was Teddie, a young girl who was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor at a young age. Through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and brain surgery, she has shown remarkable courage and resilience. Her journey inspired Xaverian's baseball players, families, and the broader community to rally around her and other children facing this diagnosis.

While the team fundraised throughout their spring season, this year's efforts also included a combined walk-a-thon and cornhole tournament. The impact was significant. The event raised $16,183, surpassing its original goal of $10,000 and building on the $13,622 that Xaverian baseball players and families have raised since 2024.

Proceeds directly benefited the Jimmy Fund and supported the work of Teddie's doctor, Dr. Pratiti (Mimi) Bandopadhayay at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, whose research focuses specifically on pediatric brain tumors.

More than a successful fundraiser, Hawks X-Out Cancer ended up being a powerful example of what can be accomplished when a community unites around a shared purpose. Inspired by Teddie's courage, the Xaverian baseball program and its supporters helped advance research and care for children facing cancer.

While the baseball program's fight against childhood cancer shows the power of a community united behind a shared purpose, the backpack drive organized by Michael McGrath '27 shows how one student's initiative can grow into a lasting tradition of giving.

For most students, summer is a time to relax. For Michael, it's an opportunity to give back. Now in its sixth year, Michael's backpack drive has grown from a simple idea the summer before sixth grade into an annual tradition of service. In total, the initiative has provided hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need through Interfaith Social Services in Quincy.

Michael's fundraising efforts have a unique twist. Every year, he pairs his fundraising goal with a personal challenge. Whether it's running, learning a new language, rollerblading, or serving the community, the challenges motivate him while inspiring others to contribute.

"It's about showing people I'm putting in the effort too," says Michael. "It helps bring attention to the cause and gets people involved."

This summer, Michael set his most ambitious goal yet, aiming for 100 backpacks and 100 hours of service. He completed many of those hours during a Xaverian Global Encounter trip to West Virginia, where he worked on a farm in rural Appalachia and served the local community alongside his fellow Hawks.

In August, Michael reached his goal of 100 backpacks, each one carefully assembled by hand and delivered to Interfaith Social Services. From sourcing affordable supplies to organizing and packing each bag, the process is largely a one-man operation. "It's a lot of work," Michael explained. "But when you see a room full of backpacks, it's worth it. You realize how many kids you're helping. I think about the relief for the parents and the confidence it gives kids. Being able to go to school prepared, not worrying about the supplies, that matters."

Looking ahead, Michael is considering expanding his efforts, possibly even turning the initiative into a nonprofit in the future. For now, though, his focus remains the same. Setting goals, putting in the work, and helping give students a brighter start each school year.

Together, these stories offer a glimpse into the many ways the Xaverian community lives out a commitment to service. Whether coming together to support a family facing childhood cancer or taking the initiative to help local students begin the school year with confidence, Xaverian students show that making a difference starts with recognizing a need and choosing to respond.



JACOB A. CONCA, PH.D., IS THE HEAD OF SCHOOL AT XAVERIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL IN WESTWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS.