James Bennett, GS'62 Receives a 2020 Servant Leader Award

Servant Leader Award Winner James Bennett
James Bennett G.S. ’62 came to St. Anthony School in 1958 as a fifth-grade student, graduating four years later. He continued his studies at McKinley Tech. High School. More than 60 years later, he is still a St. Anthony of Padua parishioner and is the grand knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #417 at the parish.

“The longer I stay, the better I like it,” he said of his 15 years as a Knight of Columbus, reflecting on the brotherhood he feels with other Knights and the charitable works they do together. “I’ll do whatever I can for the church and school.” The Council is known for its First Friday Fish Fries and helping the school purchase Christmas presents for students in need.
As winter weather was starting in the nation’s capital, he paused for a short while from planning a “Coats for Kids” drive for an interview in the school lobby. “People are in such dire need,” during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. “A lot needs to be done to help those who are less fortunate.”

Bennett is a retired Science teacher from Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Georgetown, and he is an involved grandfather, with two grandsons and two granddaughters.
“I still have friends from grade school,” Bennett said, reflecting on his four years at St. Anthony and his previous four years at Holy Name School in the Trinidad neighborhood. 
He has good memories of his time at St. Anthony School, particularly the teachers and playing basketball and football and giving baseball a try, at the urging of his father. He remembers his St. Anthony CYO coaches Al Lucien, Felipe Jose, and Pat Collins. Playing sports taught him a lot about working with other people toward a goal.

“I have my health. I have my family. I have my friends,” Bennett said, reflecting on what he is thankful for. “I don’t need a thing. Life is good.”

Reflecting on the previous winners of the Servant Leader Award at St. Anthony, Bennett said he feels “humbled” by receiving the honor. Congratulations, Mr. James Bennett!