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Randolph Abraham wears many hats at Brighton High School – athletic director, dean of students and head football coach – and said he wants to “make the next generation great.” And to the Brighton High and wider Allston-Brighton communities, he is more than his job responsibilities.

Abraham uses his position at Brighton High to mentor and change his student-athletes’ lives, helping them toward athletic, academic and personal success.

“I’m creating leaders,” Abraham said. “Our ultimate goal is to make sure that we’re developing strong young people who can read their goals despite any adversity that could come their way.”

Abraham said many of his student-athletes go on to play college athletics, and some have received NCAA Division I scholarships, with a few football players earning NFL tryouts. Abraham keeps tabs on his former student-athletes — all of his assistant football coaches are former team captains.

“I feel like I was born to coach,” Abraham said. “It’s my destiny. It’s my passion. And through athletics, I’m able to really motivate young people.”

Abraham himself is a Brighton High alumnus, graduating in 2000 and going on to play college football for four years at Nichols College. Abraham came back as an offensive coordinator in 2006; the following year, Brighton High School won its first state title. Since then, they have won 15 city league championships and multiple state titles.

Allston-Brighton Youth Athletic Committee chair Dan Cuddy, who has followed Abraham’s journey since coaching Abraham in little league baseball from when he was 11, said Abraham could go anywhere he wants with his talent and drive, but “passion” keeps him in Brighton.

“He came back, and he is dedicated to Brighton High football,” Cuddy said. “He could easily be working in another college or program, college or high school. But he loves our community and wants to do this work here, and we’re so fortunate for that.”

Abraham says that he approaches mentorship with a “peaceful energy.” In coaching students, he emphasizes cultivating a strong mindset.

“I really do believe holistically in the mindset and being able to coach young people to be mentally strong and push through adversity and overcome adversity so that they can be great,” he said.

Local leaders have recognized his work developing student-athletes at Brighton High, culminating in Abraham receiving the 2026 Latino Educators Shine Award, which honors Hispanic and Latino educators throughout Massachusetts.

Abraham said he was “surprised” to learn Massachusetts state representative Kevin Honan — whom he has known since childhood — nominated him for the award.

“I don’t really like the spotlight too much,” Abraham said. “I just want to work and enjoy the work that I do.

“But I was honored, and it was a blessing to be recognized for the work that I’ve been doing for the last 22 years.”

In recognition of Abraham’s achievements, New Balance Developments at Boston Landing recently donated $6,357 to Brighton High athletics. He called the money a “lifeline.”

“As an athletic department, we don’t have a lot of money,” Abraham said. “We have a lot of needs, so that funding is life-changing for some of our kids.”

Megan Burke, an associate marketing manager for the company, said she was sure New Balance Developments had made the right choice when she met Abraham in person.

When Burke went to deliver the donation — in the form of an oversized check — the coach went above and beyond, she said, inviting her into his football practice and introducing her to his players and even his daughters.

“He has a quiet but warm presence,” Burke said. “You can tell his leadership style is creating an environment for people around him to thrive.

“He notices the different personalities that he works with in the young people, and you can tell he’s finding ways for each of them individually to shine.”

Whether it’s with Brighton High or somewhere else, Abraham said he’s “hoping to do this for another 40 years.”

“Everything I do, honestly, is just to help others,” Abraham said. “I’ve dedicated my life to the betterment of others. I want to make the next generation great.”

This story is part of a partnership between Allstonia and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program.