Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | February 9, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 19 A t Saint John's High School in Shrewsbury, innovation is grounded in purpose, character, and mission. By intentionally integrating technical skill, ethical leadership, and meaningful real-world application, Saint John's offers a forward-looking educational experience that prepares students to thrive in college, careers, and become the compassionate leaders of tomorrow. rough an expanding portfolio of distinctive programs, the school continues to demonstrate what a mission-driven, future-ready education can provide young men. An important part of this vision is the Abdella Center for Ethics Lecture Series. A hallmark initiative for the school for over twenty years, this program that underscores the belief that innovation without values is incomplete. e lecture series brings nationally recognized leaders in business, law, public service, and academia to campus to engage students in conversations about ethical decision-making in a complex world. Rather than treating ethics as a theoretical exercise, the Abdella Center challenges students to wrestle with real dilemmas facing modern organizations - from corporate responsibility and emerging technologies to leadership in times of crisis. For a generation poised to enter fast-changing industries, the ability to pair innovation with integrity is a competitive advantage. Innovation at Saint John's also takes shape through real-world financial and business education, as financial literacy and professional readiness are advanced through the Jeffrey R. Jay '76 Endowed Accounting and Finance Program. Designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and economic analysis, the program goes well beyond textbook learning. Students explore real-world financial scenarios, gain exposure to professional- grade concepts, and develop analytical skills that mirror those used in today's business environment. By engaging with these disciplines early, Saint John's students build confidence and fluency in areas critical to entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and informed citizenship. e program also reflects a broader trend in education: preparing students not just to participate in the economy, but to understand and shape it. Innovation at Saint John's is also highly tangible in the omas J. Kelley '50, P'79 Makerspace for Robotics & Engineering. is hands-on facility serves as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Here, students design, prototype, and test solutions using tools and technologies commonly found in advanced engineering environments. Robotics projects, engineering challenges, and interdisciplinary coursework encourage students to think like innovators: identify problems, iterate on solutions, and learn from failure. e makerspace model fosters teamwork and adaptability, skills that are increasingly prized across industries from manufacturing to soware development. ese programs represent only the beginning of how Saint John's is bringing its 125-year tradition to life through purposeful innovation for future generations of Pioneers. By integrating ethics, academic excellence, and hands-on learning into the student experience, Saint John's is creating a dynamic educational environment that reflects the evolving demands of today's professional landscape, while preparing young men to lead with skill, integrity, and confidence. As Worcester County continues to position itself as a hub for education, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, institutions like Saint John's play a vital role in developing future leaders. eir approach demonstrates that meaningful innovation starts early and that when young people are equipped with the right tools, values, and opportunities, they are capable of developing solutions that matter. n Innovation with Purpose: How Saint John's High School Is Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders PHOTOS / COURTESY SAINT JOHN'S HIGH SCHOOL Street Address: 378 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Phone Number: 508-842-8934 Website: www.stjohnshigh.org Head of School: Dr. Benjamin P. Horgan Year Founded: 1898 S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T

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