His feats on the football field for Beverly High will live on forever.
His mark as a well-rounded, well-liked student-athlete may resonate just as long.
The oldest of four children, Brendan Flaherty holds a 4.0 grade-point average while taking honors classes and is ranked in the top 10 percent (32nd) of his senior class. A member of the National Honor Society and a three-time winner of the BHS Student-Athlete Award, he is also a multiple time member of the Honor Roll with distinction.
"Over the years I have had the privilege to watch him play in the athletic arena, but more importantly I have witnessed his unique gift of being the most moral and ethical person and student I feel I have ever taught," said Kristen Marescalchi, a business teacher and DECA advisor at Beverly High.
As a senior captain, Flaherty helped lead Beverly High to its second Super Bowl championship in the last three years, including the school's best ever record (13-0) this past season. Scoring 26 touchdowns, he produced them in five different ways: rushing, passing, receiving, interception return and punt return. Flaherty is the football program's all-time leader in points scored (380), total touchdowns (61), rushing touchdowns (41) and yards per carry while ranking second all-time in rushing yards (3,503) and total offensive yards (4,349).
A three-time Northeastern Conference all-star, Flaherty was the league's Most Valuable Player in 2012. He was also chosen to the prestigious 'Super 26' (i.e., All-State) Team, and will continue his football career at the College of the Holy Cross.
A captain and all-star in lacrosse and indoor track as well, he has been part of three consecutive league championship teams and was offered a full scholarship to Division 1 Stony Brook College for lacrosse.
In addition to DECA, Flaherty has also been involved in projects such as the Peer Leadership Club, Feed The Hungry Program, Leadership Council and serving as a School Committe liason.
"Also as important to the football commitment, Brendan has balance in his life," said assistant principal and head football coach Dan Bauer. "He is visible in the school community. He is a positive role model ... when asked to help with community service, he will do so without any hesitation."
