FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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1. What are the Bishop O'Connell Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame?
Join us as we honor the achievements of peer-nominated O'Connell alumni who have distinguished themselves through career or service. The Annual Alumni Awards recognize achievements in four distinct categories: Distinguished Alumni Award, the Young Alumni Achievement Award, the Knight's Service Award, and (new in 2024) Excellence in the Arts.
The Athletic Hall of Fame honors alumni athletes and teams who excelled in their sport(s) during their time at Bishop O'Connell. Many of those athletes have gone on to play sports collegiately and professionally after graduation.
2. What does a ticket include?
Your ticket to the event on November 9, 2024, includes all food and beverages at the opening reception, seating in the auditorium, and photo opportunities with the honorees.
The catered reception will include light refreshments and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage selections. The entire event lasts approximately three to three and a half hours. We do our best to conclude the awards program by 7:30 p.m. so families can dine independently. Travel is not included.
3. What is the attire?
Business attire or your "Sunday best" is appropriate.
4. Can I bring my children?
O'Connell offers a reduced-price ticket for children twelve and under. The event typically lasts three to four hours; it may be a very long afternoon for young children.
5. How do I make sure I'm seated with my friends?
There are no assigned seats in the auditorium. A small auditorium section is reserved for the awardees and their guests. Seating with your group and family has never been an issue.
6. I bought tickets but now cannot attend. Can I get a refund?
We regret that tickets are not refundable. However, you may transfer your ticket to another guest before the event by notifying the alumni department by November 5, 2024, at alumni@bishopoconnell.org.
Alternatively, you may donate your tickets back to the school to cover the cost of a faculty member or coach attending the event (this option would be fully tax deductible as you are receiving no goods or services for your contribution).
7. Is this tax deductible?
Event tickets are not tax deductible.
8. Parking/Arrival/Your Stay on Campus
Bishop O'Connell High School is located at 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22213 - and is most easily accessed at the intersections of Little Falls Road and North Underwood Street.
Guests may park in any unnumbered spot along the front of the school. There are ample handicapped spaces available.
All honorees, family members, and guests must enter through door number one/the school's main entrance - across from Holy Family Plaza/Little Falls Road.
No other entrances will be in use.
The event is held entirely on the first floor of the school. Guests are not permitted to explore the school on their own. Please contact Chris Edmonds '89 (cedmonds@bishopoconnell.org) if you would like to coordinate a tour of the school at another time.
9. Timeline
3:00 p.m. - Honorees and their presenters are called for a stage rehearsal and formal photos
(immediate family members arriving with their honorees are invited to enjoy early access to the catering)
4:00 p.m. - All guests arrive - Opening reception begins in the Armor Family Atrium
5:30 p.m. - Awards ceremony begins in the auditorium
7:30 p.m. - Awards ceremony concludes so families can dine on their own
10. Accommodations under the ADA
If you or a member of your party requires accommodations under the ADA, please contact a member of the Advancement Staff to ensure we can meet your needs in a timely and appropriate manner.
Do you have a question that isn't answered here? Never fear - contact a member of the advancement team: alumni@bishopoconnell.org