Brien McMahon High School group to induct new hall of fame members
NORWALK — The Brien McMahon High School Alumni Association will induct a restaurant owner, a local preservationist and a late Navy SEAL into its Hall of Fame.
The induction, to be held on Oct. 22, is the association’s ninth.
According to a statement from the association, candidates have excelled in their careers and positively affected their communities through nonprofit leadership or volunteer service. The candidates will also serve as a “role model” to Brien McMahon students and the wider community, the association said.
“Alumni from the past eight induction ceremonies have represented a wide span of careers and community services in law, health care, veterinary medicine, entertainment media, social services, engineering, education, finance, public service, religious education, sports, meteorology, and nursing,” the statement said.
This year, three members will be added to the Hall of Fame’s roster.
B.J. Lawless
B.J. Lawless, an alumni of BMHS’ 1990 class, is being inducted in recognition of his community efforts in Norwalk.
Lawless runs three restaurants in Norwalk, BanC House, BJ Ryan’s, and BJ Ryan’s East, in addition to the recentlyopened French/American restaurant in Ridgefield, the Benjamin.
Much of Lawless’ philanthropy involves his restaurants and food, through his foundation, The BJ Ryan’s Foundation, which provides Thanksgiving meals to families in need each year.
With the Norwalk Police Department, Lawless hosts an annual luncheon in the winter where families can come for a meal and their children can meet Santa Claus and get a gift for the holiday season.
But one of Lawless’ favorite charitable endeavors is academic.
“A charity that BJ is most proud of is the $10,000 college scholarship awarded to a BMHS or NHS senior who would not otherwise have the funds to attend a college or university,” the statement said. “These funds are raised during the annual BJ Lawless Foundation Charity Golf Tournament which normally hosts 120 golfers each year.”
So far, Lawless’ foundation has awarded two four-year scholarships.
Lisa Wilson Grant
Lisa Wilson Grant, class of 1981, is another inductee. She’s been involved in Norwalk’s historical preservation in several capacities.
She’s written two books documenting the city’s history: “Norwalk,” which compounds information about the city with vintage photographs, and “Roton Point,” co-authored with the Postcard History series, about the city’s former amusement park.
She also has been involved in the erection of a local monument.
“Lisa was recognized in 2021 for her discovering, researching, restoring, and mounting a 120-yearold Nathan Hale fountain and monument,” the statement said. “It was a ten-year labor of love and persistence in which she encouraged others, including the grandson of the designer of the fountain who assisted in raising funds for the restoration project.
Grant additionally makes patriotic quilts for veterans through the Quilts of Valor national program.
In 2014, Mayor Harry Rilling named Grant as the commissioner of the Norwalk Historic Commission. Grant has also chaired the Roton Point History Committee since 2019.
“Another volunteer endeavor is her participation in the Rowayton Gardeners Garden Club since 1998,” the statement said. “She has been on the Class of 1981 Reunion Committee since the first reunion. In addition, Lisa is a volunteer with the Cub Scout Pack #97, Member, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) since 2009, Member, Mayflower Society, Plymouth, MA, and the Jamestown Society.”
Alexander Restrepo
Lastly, the association will posthumously induct Alexander Restrepo, a member of the class of 1977.
He is being honored for his “dedicated and noble service in the US Navy for over 25 years,” the statement said.
Restrepo was a member of BMHS’ 1977 state champion wrestling team, was a state champion in his own weight class, and was an outside linebacker on the football team.
He began his US Navy Career after graduation.
“After graduating in 1977, Alexander enlisted in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, (Calif.),” the statement said. “After a brief tour in the surface Navy, he volunteered for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, (Calif.). He served over twenty-five years in the Underwater Demolition and SEAL Teams earning a distinguished record of accomplishments.”
Restrepo traveled the world in his military career, leading counterinsurgency operations in El Salvador and Honduras and combat operations in Granada and Panama, and classified worldwide operations.
“During his military service he was deployed as a platoon member in Underwater Demolition Team 21 to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean until he was handpicked to join the recently formed SEAL Team SIX, in which he served in increasingly significant leadership positions,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Restrepo died suddenly on Jan. 27, 2020.
“He is remembered as a reliable and loyal teammate, classmate, and a great friend to all (who) knew him,” the statement said.
The induction will be held in the Global Studies Community Room at Brien McMahon High School on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m.