Rector retires after working at the same high school for over 50 years

A beloved New York City teacher who spent more than 50 years working on same High School – first as a teacher in social studies and later as principal – has called it one day.

On Thursday, May 22, students, faculties and students at Cardinal Hayes High School to Rector Bill Lessa, 75, acclaimed at a pension celebration held at All-Boys Catholic Institution in Bronx.

“We honored a Hayes icon for the countless Hayesm that he is mentored and guided through the halls in Cardinal Hayes!” The school – whose famous alumni includes King Philin and Martin Scorsese – said in an announcement shared with people.

According to the archdiocese in New York, Lesa, who received a standing ovation at the beginning and end of its pension celebration, is the longest serving trainer at a single Catholic institution in Bronx, the New York Post reported.

“I am lucky and blessed to have been able to serve my church and our society for 54 years in a role that I liked every day,” Lesa said in her comments at the event last week. “A role that rewarded me many times with the knowledge that I made a difference in the world.”

“The success I had to shape and influence young men was extremely rewarding and I would not change a single moment that I spent in the service of the young men I worked with at Cardinal Hayes High School,” he continued.

Born in East Harlem, Lessa’s relationship with the school began in September 1971 after his own degree from Iona College, according to a biography that was shared with people of the school.

He first taught social studies and religion until 1974, when he was appointed beginner for Cardinal Haye’s guidance. Two years later he became a college adviser who helped the school’s seniors and their parents to navigate through the college admission process.

In 1978 he began to act as Cardinal Haye’s commander, a role he had until 2014, during which time he also served as both assistant principal (a job he held in 2004-2008) and principal.

Although Lina said he had other opportunities to work elsewhere, he decided to stay because of the appreciation he received from the school community.

“These children are the only kids I ever wanted to be with, the only children I wanted to work with,” Lina told Post.

Lessa’s work in education also extends to his family. His wife Mary Anne previously served in the Rye City School District, and the couple’s two children, Bill Jr. And Jaime, works as a guide and a third class teacher.

In addition, a scholarship At the school, got its name after Lesa.

“I thank all the wonderful teachers I worked with and the leaders I earned with and of course everyone else who worked in this big school,” Lesas finished his comments at his pension celebration last week.