Shawn Thornton
Shawn Thornton will leave Pope John XXIII High School with great memories and a number of individual awards.
Thornton, who is stepping down as director of athletics at the end of the school year, received two major awards this year: Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Coach of the Year and Massachusetts Secondary Schools (MSSADA) District H Athletic Director of the Year.
Thornton’s coaching honor came after a successful season in which he earned his 100th career victory. His coaching record in the Catholic Central League over the past three seasons (two at Pope John and one at St. Clement High School) is 33-3.
“Being this is my last year at Pope John and in the Archiodicese, I’m very humbled by receiving these two meaningful awards,” said Thornton. “These honors involved a lot of teamwork and support from the school, the student-athletes, the parents, and everyone involved with Pope John athletics.”
Thornton thanked assistant athletic director and school trustee Leo Robinson for his support.
“Leo has been the face of our school for several years and the school and the athletic program have moved forward with his involvement and knowledge,” said Thornton.
“I wish Shawn well in his new position,” said Robinson. “I’ve enjoyed working with him in the athletic program at Pope John.”
Thornton is leaving Pope John to take a position as an administrator and teacher at Edwards Middle School in Charlestown.
“It’s definitely a different avenue but it’s a good start in the administrative field and I feel this position will open many doors in my career,” said Thornton.
Thornton was director of athletics and girls basketball head coach at Pope John for two years. Prior to that, he held the coaching and AD positions at St. Clement High School.
“I’ll miss the Pope John community,” said the 34-year-old Thornton. “With a small school, you become attached to the kids, the parents, the teachers, the faculty, and the administrative staff. I wish Pope John the best and the new AD, Roger Day, will do a great job.”