On July 1, Anthony Docanto became Boston College High School’s first African American principal.

The independent school offers boys in Greater Boston a Jesuit Catholic education.

“I’m proud to be the first Black principal at BC High, but I hope I’m not the last. Representation matters, and the diversity of our student body is important to me,” Docanto said.

“We’re a Jesuit Catholic school, but we want to be a welcoming place for all folks. Being a Black principal comes with a lot of responsibility. I know that our Black students are going to be looking at me to set the example for them. However, we’re all responsible for creating an inclusive, welcoming environment.”

He told the Banner that he understands what it is like to be the only Black student in the classroom or athlete on the soccer fields and has learned numerous skills from “having to make space for myself.”

“When you are in the minority, there’s always a pull to create space for others who aren’t in the majority. As a leader, I try to make sense of everything that’s going on at BC High. We’re not perfect, and there’s always room to bring more voices into the conversation.”

Docanto is a 2015 graduate of the independent school. After studying at Vanderbilt University, he returned to work at BC High for five years.

Before his tenure as vice principal of student life, he taught Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History and Global History and coached the soccer team. as vice principal, he worked closely with former principal Adam Lewis, who decided to step down earlier this year.

Docanto saw the open job listing during a period of personal discernment, a time of deep reflection and clarity-seeking. He felt that he was ready to assume the challenge and responsibility.

“I felt called to the role, and I thought the moment was right. I’ve been preparing myself well to lead BC High through my experiences in Jesuit education since I was 10 years old. So, I threw my application in, and I was fortunate enough to earn the role.”

BC High conducted a nationwide search to fill the position and evaluated six finalists through a three-step process, including an interview, presentation and conversations with BC High President Grace Cotter Regan, faculty and the Board of Trustees.

“[Docanto] embodies faith and openness to growth. He will be a loving caretaker of the boys, but also not a pushover. He has experience both as a student and as an educator at BC High, so he really understands what a BC High education means,” Board of Trustees Vice Chair Rich Davey said.

“We’re forming young men for a future that can be challenging and uncertain. We hope to produce men who will change the world for the better. And I think Anthony is a tremendous role model for what we’re looking to do.”

As principal, Docanto is most excited to have the latitude to connect with students all around campus, whether that be in classroom settings or athletic fields.

“I’m excited to welcome our boys at the front door every morning. I’m looking forward to being in classrooms and cheering the guys on from the sidelines,” he said.

This year, BC High will begin accepting applications from sixth-grade students. The Jesuit-affiliated institution focuses on developing students intellectually, morally and spiritually.

It is concerned with developing the whole person, preparing students to positively impact the world after graduation.

“I’m very excited for BC High and its future. A Jesuit education is as valuable today as it has ever been. Our young people live in a world that is unempathetic, lacking optimism and increasingly divided,” Docanto said. “A Jesuit education teaches us to take a breath and reflect on the world, and then live a life of service to others to make the world a better place.”