Social studies teacher Stephen Hayes was honored for his forty years of selfless and dedicated service to Jesuit High School by the MCJROTC at the organization’s 32nd annual Parade and Review on Thursday, March 24. The parade is a time-honored ceremony for both the school and the United States Marine Corps.

At the ceremony that was attended by his colleagues and family and witnessed by the entire Jesuit student body, Hayes was honored for exemplifying what it means to be a Blue Jay and a man for others.  His professionalism, dedication, leadership, and unceasing efforts to improve Jesuit make him an example for all to follow and are in keeping with the highest traditions of Jesuit High School.

Hayes earned his bachelor of arts in history from St. Joseph Seminary College in 1973 and a master of arts degree in political science from the University of New Orleans in 1981. After a year working at New Orleans City Hall, he came to Jesuit in 1982. He has spent most of his time in the social studies department, teaching American History and Civics, but has also taught a myriad of other subjects and held numerous other positions.

In his 10 years as the social studies department chair, he was involved in major curriculum development initiatives, including the rotating schedule we continue to use today. As the service project director for five years, he instituted several changes to the Thanksgiving Drive that are also still in place today—allowing a pick-up service and shopping at Robérts the morning of the drive. While the day before Thanksgiving was previously a half day of school for students and teachers, Hayes renewed the school’s focus on the importance of the drive by implementing a prayer service and the now-traditional Thanksgiving basket delivery.

After Hurricane Katrina, when the Philelectic Society lost its director, Hayes selflessly volunteered to be the moderator and was successful in the production of the play Twelve Angry Men upon the return to Jesuit. During his tenure he also served as the moderator of the Hackeysack Club, acted as co-moderator of the Politics and Pastries Club, ran a Bazaar booth for 20 years, and coached both the freshman and junior varsity baseball teams for two years. In each of these positions, Hayes displayed the utmost in dedication and professionalism as he tirelessly worked to further the mission of Jesuit High School, dedicating his life to the betterment of Jesuit and its students.  

After Hayes was recognized, the MCJROTC band gave a brief performance for the honoree and his audience.