Everybody at Cathedral High School knows Nancy Lane. Parents, students, every staff and faculty member, partner institutions, and decades of alumni alike all light up with affection and enthusiasm when her name is mentioned.
Valedictorian Sam Cintra ’19 embraces Nancy Lane during commencement.
After 33 years of dedicated and faithful service to Cathedral High School as teacher and guidance director, Nancy is, in her words, “retiring to embrace life.”
A proud graduate of Cathedral High School herself, Nancy Lane returned to her alma mater in 1987 to teach mathematics alongside the Sisters of Saint Joseph and School Sisters of Notre Dame whom she admired so much. “I could live the Gospel message—it’s why I wanted to work here,” said Nancy, who began teaching at a time Cathedral was educating many first-generation American students whose families had emigrated to Boston from Vietnam, Cambodia, and dozens of other countries and cultures. “They brought their parts of the world to us. Even not being a traveler, I learned so much about different parts of the world through the students. They enriched my life.”
Nancy educated countless students as a teacher, but certainly increased her impact when she transitioned to helping upperclassmen navigate the college exploration and admissions process as Director of Guidance. In guidance, Nancy has helped thousands of Cathedral alumni select and enroll into colleges that were just the right fit for each. Students recall how she would follow up with each student incessantly—calling or emailing and working on nights and weekends even—to make sure everyone made their deadlines for applications and scholarships.
Nancy Lane receiving the Counselor of the Year Award.
The results speak for themselves: Since 2003, every single Cathedral senior has graduated and earned admission to college. More than a third go to top 100 colleges and universities. Cathedral High honored her outsized contributions with the Saint Joseph the Worker Alumni Award in 2014. The following year, the Catholic School Counselors Association recognized Nancy Lane as the national Guidance Counselor of the Year—a testament to just how outstanding she is within her field.
Unmatched in dedication to the students and the school, Nancy explains that a sense of family drives her. “I don’t come from a big family, but I have a big family because of Cathedral High School.”
“Nancy Lane has been a towering figure in the school’s history and we are so grateful for her lifelong commitment and model of faith,” said Paul Chisholm, chairman of the board of trustees. “We wish her abundant joy as she embraces life in retirement.”
Nancy Lane reacts to the announcement of the creation of the scholarship fund in her name.
The ballroom at the Seaport Hotel erupted into standing ovation when it was announced at the 2018 Adopt-A-Student Foundation Dinner that a scholarship fund for Cathedral students would be established in Nancy’s name. As a teacher and counselor who wanted every student to realize their full potential, this scholarship fund gives that opportunity to more students who might not otherwise be able to afford it. As a way to honor Nancy and her commitment to Cathedral’s students, we ask that you consider making a gift to the Nancy Lane Scholarship Fund.
“It’s hard to imagine Cathedral High School without Nancy Lane in the hallways every day,” said Head of School Dan Carmody. “The Nancy Lane Scholarship Fund is one way her legacy will continue to improve the lives of urban youth in Boston for years to come, even as she herself enjoys a well-earned retirement.”
Alumni speak with Nancy Lane
Watch the video tribute to Nancy Lane
Hear from students and faculty on the impact Nancy Lane has had, from the 2018 Adopt-A-Student Foundation Dinner when she was honored.
