About
Our History

History - First 50 Years

First 50 Years

Cardinal Hayes High School enjoys a proud and captivating seven decade history. Born from a dream in 1941 to enable high school age boys of largely Irish and Italian immigrant families access to a superior secondary education, Cardinal Hayes has remained steadfast to this Catholic mission in the face of dramatic social, demographic and economic changes.

Located on the Grand Concourse in the New York City borough of the Bronx, the history of Cardinal Hayes has been very intertwined with that of its host city and that of the Archdiocese of New York. For those considering attending Cardinal Hayes, alumni who might want to reminisce or local history buffs, we encourage you to read about our history and to learn how Hayesmen remained true to a core set of Catholic values, but adapted to changing times.

List of 5 items.

  • Building CHHS

    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 a lasting memorial to his very popular predecessor, Cardinal Hayes. That memorial was to be our school!
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  • Academics and Discipline

    Hayes looks proudly on her tradition of academic excellence. High standards of education have always been her trademark, molding young men into well-educated and well-prepared Christian men. The Hayes diploma is still a cut above and the requirements of History and English Regents still remain. The countless scholarships won by graduates over the years are a testimony to a school bent on training its students to enter the marketplace of the world and make their contributions to society.
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  • Athletics

    The Sports programs at Hayes have a long and proud tradition under the leadership of such sports giants as Monsignor Matthew Peters, Bernie Gallagher, Bill Krywicki, Joe Tricario, Nat Volpe, AI Groh, Howie Borck, Bill Stetter, Tom Murray, Father Holland and Father Lennon. The athletic program has instilled in the Hayes student that intangible something that makes him a well-rounded individual of sound mind and body.
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  • Band and Players

    Throughout the history of Hayes, the band has had an important role in the spirit of school. The band started in 1941 under the direction of Father John Ziemak and with the assistance of Mr. Terrance McGrath. Father Dermott Brennan took over the baton when Monsignor Ziemak died in 1953. Since 1962, Mr. William Ryan has been part of the Music Program and the Director of the Band. The band has performed on numerous occasions whether for the Church of New York or the City of New York.
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  • Our Graduates

    However, the proudest tradition of Hayes is its alumni, who have walked down the main aisle of St. Patrick's Cathedral to receive the coveted Hayes diploma. Hayes remembers with pride and prayer the 17 graduates who gave their lives in service of country during World War II and the other men of Hayes who made the supreme sacrifice during the Korean War and Vietnam War.
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Cardinal Hayes High School

650 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: 718-292-6100
For all media inquiries please contact: media@cardinalhayes.org
The Mission of Cardinal Hayes High School, a community based in Roman Catholic values, is to inspire diverse young men of the New York City metropolitan area to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. We will accomplish this goal by encouraging students' spiritual and intellectual growth through a rigorous college preparatory program of academics, extra-curricular activities, and personal discipline.