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Dr. Merrill Feldman '41 was recently honored with France's highest civil and military award, the National Order of the Legion of Honor medal, along with four other recipients. The medal recognizes his bravery on the battlefield during WWII and his efforts in the liberation of France. Feldman grew up in Dorchester and served as an Army medic. He retired as chairman of radiation medicine at Boston University's School of Medicine. He is also the recipient of a Silver Star and a Bronze Star as well as two Purple Hearts. The ceremony was held on July 14 at the Langham Hotel in Boston.

 

A new book by Lee A. Daniels '67 is called "Last Chance: The Political Threat to Black America," published by PublicAffairs/Perseus Books Group. Daniels was interviewed about the upcoming election and his new book by Tavis Smiley on July 4, 2008. Before joining the NAACP Legal Defense Fund as communications director, Daniels served as publications director for the National Urban League and editor of The State of Black America and Opportunity Journal. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a reporter for The Washington Post and The New York Times for two decades.

 

Raffi Yessayan '86 has authored his debut novel, "Eight in the Box" by Ballantine Books. The Boston Herald recently reviewed the book and the author also sat down with Chet Curtis on NECN. Currently in private practice, Yessayan has 11 years of experience as an award-winning Boston assistant district attorney. He was also the chief prosecutor of the elite Gang Unit.

 

The Boston Globe recently reported that the Walk-to-the-Sea trail which stretches from the top of Beacon Hill to Boston Harbor will honor Norman B. Leventhal '33, prominent philanthropist and developer, known for such projects as the Park at Post Office Square and Rowes Wharf, among many others. Latin School's original site will be referenced on the Walk to the Sea, according to the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

 

A recent Boston Globe article about the economy and Lawrence, MA's working poor, discussed the hardships faced by the community and the important work of Rev. Paul O'Brien '82. O'Brien is the pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Lawrence whose work with the Cor Unum Meal Center is all about human dignity. "I would say, honestly, that the core issue here is the dignity of human life," Father O'Brien explained. "It comes down to the inherent dignity in all of these people that is equal to everyone else's."

 

Finalists for the 2008 Millennium Technology Prize have been announced by the Technology Academy Finland. Andrew Viterbi '52, one of six finalists, is recognized "for the invention of the Viterbi algorithm, the key building element in modern wireless and digital communications systems, touching the lives of people everywhere." The Millennium Technology Prize is awarded every second year for a technological innovation that significantly improves the quality of human life. For more information on this honor, please visit the Millennium Prize website or click here to read a Dr. Dobb's Journal article that appeared online.

 

Boston Latin School ranked No. 18 in U.S. News & World Report's first list of the "100 Best High Schools in America." The December 2007 issue of the magazine, which contains the rankings, praised the school for its 22 Advanced Placement course offerings.