Dr. Jacob Conca ’94, Xaverian’s Head of School, is proud to announce that Ms. Julianne O’Connor, Xaverian’s Theater Director, has been awarded the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) National High School Heart of the Arts Award for the state of Massachusetts.

Established in 2014, the NFHS National High School Heart of the Arts Award recognizes a small number of state winners and one national winner each year. Selected honorees are individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts and represent the core mission of education-based activities. Award nominations are based on a specific act or activity of longer duration through which the nominee has gone above and beyond, exceeding the typical expectations of a coach, faculty member, or staff member. 

On March 31, 2025, Ms. O'Connor was presented with the NFHS Heart of the Arts Award by Richard Pearson, Associate Executive Director at MIAA & MSAA, during an all-school Xaverian liturgy. “We were thrilled at the opportunity to present Ms. O'Connor with this award in front of a community that has been so greatly impacted by the work she has accomplished,” said Xaverian Principal, Dr. Michael Nicholson, P ’29. 

During her seven years at Xaverian, Ms. O'Connor has helped to transform the fine and performing arts department. As the school’s theater director, she has staged large-scale productions involving students from multiple schools, and has emphasized creativity and inclusivity. She was nominated for the Heart of the Arts Award following her standout achievements in directing Xaverian’s 2024 production of Pippin. 

In her nomination form, Dr. Steve Dacey '95, Xaverian’s Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, noted, “Ms. O’Connor is continuously giving her all to her students to ensure that each one is known, cared for, and feels valued. Her driving motivation is creating inclusive and safe spaces for her students, reminding them that there is a place for everyone and that every person and their unique talents deserve to be celebrated.” 

"Even though this award specifically recognizes the work that went into Pippin, I feel it is representative of something much bigger in terms of the growth of the fine and performing arts department at Xaverian,” Ms. O'Connor said. “This award not only acknowledges the talent and level of the productions we’ve been able to put on, but it also honors the creativity of our department, and is a reminder to everyone of how important the arts are. Whether it is through visual or performing arts, it is how all the facets of the fine arts help us to identify something really special within ourselves."