By Alfonso Aguilar
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 6/10/04)

Hundreds attended the farewell celebration for retiring principal Alward V. Burch, who served for 42 years at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington.

"We are deeply grateful for your long years of service," said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde at O’Connell’s Fine Arts Auditorium, where he concelebrated a retirement Mass along with Fathers Michael Taylor and Luis Valdivieso. 

"But, it is not that we are saying good bye to you. We are simply saying that from now on, we will see you less frequently," the bishop said. He then wished the former principal "a long and happy retirement with your family."

The farewell event, held last Saturday, was attended by the school’s faculty, staff, students and alumni, and it included a Mass and a reception with the Linton Hall Fife and Drumers Band.

"For 42 years Al Burch has sought to make the love of God visible at Bishop O'Connell," said Father Michael Taylor, chaplain and assistant principal. "A lot of attention has been given to his larger accomplishments —new building, academics, the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, coaching accomplishments, having the WCAC baseball championship trophy named after him— yet, perhaps his greatest influence can be found in the simple things he accomplished on a daily basis."

Father Taylor remembered that Burch greeted the students daily as they arrived, always saying hello as they passed him in the hall.

"He made it his habit to stop in the chapel, which he helped build with his own hands, as he began and ended each day," said Father Taylor.

Once again, during his farewell the principal greeted many teachers, students, friends and posed for pictures with current or former staff and students.

"I am crying, but these are tears of happiness for Al," said O’Connell alumna Theresa Koons while hugging Burch. Koons and her nine siblings alll attended O’Connell school.

Burch said he wanted to retire to spend more time with his family, particularly with his grandchildren.

Written in the farewell program were the following words:

"For most of us here, Bishop O’Connell and Al Burch are interchangeable, and it is difficult to imagine one without the other. The O’Connell we all know and love has been crafted by his loving care and concern for each member of the O’Connell family, and his legacy will always be part of the school."

"Mr. Burch you will always be in our hearts and our memories, and we will forever be grateful for the Christlike lessons you taught us, by your example."