The Official Fan Page for Cardinal Hayes High School over 80 Years of Excellence" That memorial was to be our school! But the order had been given to build!
The history of Cardinal Hayes Memorial High School for Boys might be said to begin on May 23, 1939, for on that day Pope Pius XII appointed Bishop Francis Spellman of Boston to be the sixth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York. It has been reported that from the very moment of his appointment, Cardinal Spellman intended to build a suitable and lasting memorial to his very popular predecessor,
Cardinal Hayes. Cardinal Spellman had a dream and a vision - a dream that a fine, well-equipped, religiously sound school could be built in a brief time to educate the young men of the Bronx and Manhattan and other nearby areas - that dream came true in less than two years. Cardinal Spellman also had a vision - a vision that this school would provide a Catholic formation and an academic standard unmatched by any other school in the Archdiocese. That vision perdures and reaches toward the 21st century. That dream and the vision of Cardinal Spellman, our founder, took form early in 1940. War clouds were on the horizon and some people questioned the building of a high school in these times. With optimism based on faith and with confidence in the generosity of the people of New York, Spellman gave the word to build! Before the building operations started, the site was occupied on the Grand Concourse front by a filling station and along the lower rear by a row of squatters' cabins. Traces of these cabins can still be seen as they are used by some of the local residents to grow vegetables in small plots of earth against our lower walls. It is a local tradition that the site of Hayes was used as a convenient disposal area for the earth removal in the building of the East Side subway system. That theory is substantiated by the difficulties encountered in establishing the foundations by the school builders. The first principal - Bishop Philip Furlong - was sent by Cardinal Spellman to survey the newly purchased property and the Bishop shook his head wondering how anything of worth and substance could be built on such an oddly-sized piece of property - property that curved off the Grand Concourse and then dropped 5 stories to the railroad yards below. Everything went according to schedule. The cornerstone was laid on November 20, 1940, the birthday of Cardinal Hayes. Almost magically, all the materials were assembled and even half the cost of the school (3 million dollars) was subscribed before a stone was placed. Finally, the day of dedication arrived - Monday, September 8, 1941, the 49th anniversary of Cardinal Hayes' ordination and interestingly enough the 9th anniversary of Cardinal Spellman's consecration as bishop! In the presence of four bishops, countless monsignori and priests, the civic community led by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and Knights of Columbus. Cardinal Spellman first blessed the Chapel of Cardinal Hayes High School and then hung the ivory crucifix over the entrance to the Brady auditorium. The ceremonies were then followed by SCHOLA BREVIS for the several hundred original students of Cardinal Hayes High School. Archbishop Spellman at the round-breaking ceremonies for the New School. On November 20, 1940 Archbishop Spellman laid the cornerstone of the new high school. Hayes quickly acquired a fine public image. People admired its marching band, its well-dressed students, its renowned faculty and its unique spirit. The Cardinal and Gold were welcome colors throughout the city of New York for all kinds of occasions. The history of this institution is a proud one. Hayes was established to provide that dream and vision of Cardinal Spellman: a quality education in academics and Catholic values to young men of middle class families who could not afford the then existing private schools. Hayes began with a tuition of $5 per month per student. Hayes's tradition and excellence have touched the lives of over 25,000 alumni and continues to shape the lives of the present student body of nearly 1100. The Hayes tradition has prepared young men for 64 years to take their place in the world as well-prepared, well-qualified, well-prepared Christian Gentleman, well-developed leaders in whatever sphere of activity the may choose. Cardinal Hayes High School has been staffed since its beginning by Archdiocesan priests, Irish Christian Brothers, De la Salle Brothers, Franciscan Brothers and Priests, Marist Brothers, Xaverian Brothers, Religious Sisters and scores of dedicated laymen and women. The education has been first rate since opening day on September 8, 1941. Cardinal Hayes High School is beginning to look to the 21st century after completing 50 years of service to the Church of New York. As we plan for the future, evaluate our programs and courses under the auspices of the prestigious Middle States Association, and welcome nearly 1100 students each year, we hope that you will find this website to be helpful. This website will explain to you what Hayes is all about - its history, its traditions, its goals, its dreams, the Hayes way of life! After searching it, we hope that you will come to understand the meaning or our motto "FOR GOD AND COUNTRY" and the spirit of our salute:
"UP HAYES AND ALL ITS LOYAL MEN!
Operating as usual
03/18/2025
Yesterday the Cardinal Hayes Band, under the leadership of our band Instructor Mrs. Alice Robinson, marched in the 264th NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade while Michael Benn '66 was the Grand Marshal of the Parade!
The Band also marched in the Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday March 16th, also shown below!
Thank you to everyone who joined in the march! Click the link below to watch Channel 4's coverage of the parade, Hayes comes in at the 7:41 mark!
Today, Cardinal Hayes High School honors Ash Wednesday, a sacred day that marks the beginning of the season of Lent in the Catholic faith. Ash Wednesday is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal, as Catholics worldwide receive ashes as a symbol of humility and a reminder of our mortality.
This day invites us to pause and reflect on our spiritual journey, to turn away from sin, and to deepen our relationship with God. May we all find peace in this time of preparation and grow closer to our faith throughout the Lenten season.
Up Hayes And All Its Loyal Men!
02/28/2025
Celebrating Black History Month at Cardinal Hayes High School was truly special! Deacon Ken Radcliffe ‘53 celebrated his 90th birthday by leading Mass, and we were inspired by guest speaker Walter P. Springer ‘77. Congratulations to Craig Joseph ‘99, our Vice President of Student Life, for being named Man of the Year! Our students honored Black history with powerful pieces from Maya Angelou, Sam Cooke, and more. Special thank you to our Black History Month Committee for their amazing work! It was a truly enriching experience for the entire Hayes Community!
Up Hayes And All Its Loyal Men!
02/27/2025
Congratulations to Caiden Spears '24 who earned a historic aviation achievement as the youngest African American male to obtain a private pilot license in New York State!
Click the link below to read more about Caiden's amazing accomplishment
Caiden Spears earns historic aviation achievement
On May 25 of last year, Monroe’s Caiden Spears, then 17, became the youngest African American male to obtain a private pilot license in the history of the state...
02/19/2025
Last week at Cardinal Hayes High School, we gathered over 275 students and faculty in the Hayes Chapel for a special mass celebrated by Father Kareem Smith to honor Black History Month. It was a meaningful time for students and faculty to reflect and celebrate together, followed by a delightful array of desserts.
Up Hayes and All Its Loyal Men!
02/17/2025
Reflecting on the legacy of leadership and courage. Happy Presidents' Day!
02/13/2025
Cardinal Hayes High School is pleased to announce its next Principal. Congratulations and welcome to Steven Iuso!
Cardinal Hayes High School is closed today, Thursday, February 6th due to the inclement weather. Classes will resume on Friday, February 7th at 7:50 AM. Stay safe and warm!
02/05/2025
Missed our last Mini-Open House? No worries, join us on February 26 for our Mini-Open House. Discover what makes Cardinal Hayes a family and learn about our academics, athletics, and traditions.
📅 Date: February 26th
⏰ Time: 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
📍 Location: Cardinal Hayes High School
Don’t miss this opportunity to start your Cardinal Hayes journey!
01/20/2025
Cardinal Hayes High School celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Let's reflect on his powerful words: 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?'' challenge us to serve and uplift our community.
Up Hayes and All Its Loyal Men!
01/14/2025
Join us for a Mini Open House at Cardinal Hayes High School!
📅 When: January 22, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
📍 Where: 650 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY
Discover our exceptional academics, athletics, and strong community. Take a tour and learn how Cardinal Hayes High School can help shape your future.
Watching the wildfires devastate communities in Southern California, our hearts go out to all of the people affected. We offer our condolences for those lost in the devastation. We express our deepest prayers and intentions for all alumni, families, and friends of the Cardinal Hayes community in the region.
As we exit the Christmas season and enter ordinary time today, the Cardinal Hayes community stands united in faith and prayer during this extraordinary disaster. You are in our daily intentions and prayers for your safety and an end to this catastrophe.
01/07/2025
Last week, the Cardinal Hayes Community of Learners participated in this tradition that existed for over 80 years in Advent Penance Services and availed themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Father Steven Gonzalez, our School Chaplain, together with priests from our local parishes conducted the Penance Services in conjunction with members of our Theology Department.
01/01/2025
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2025 from all of us here at Cardinal Hayes!
12/24/2024
Merry Christmas from all of us here at Cardinal Hayes!
12/12/2024
Today, Cardinal Hayes celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, honoring her compassion and devotion to all. A powerful reminder of faith, unity, and love.
Up Hayes And All Its Loyal Men!
12/09/2024
Today, Cardinal Hayes High School celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and her role in our faith. A beautiful moment of reflection and gratitude for her grace and love.
Up Hayes And All Its Loyal Men!
12/06/2024
Are you ready to be part of a community where tradition meets excellence? At Cardinal Hayes High School, we’re shaping the leaders of tomorrow with outstanding academics, championship athletics, and a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.
📍 Located at 650 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, Cardinal Hayes is more than a school—it’s a legacy. Join us and discover the Cardinal Hayes difference.
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