Mr. William D. Lessa Hayes Retirement Celebration

Last year after 50 yrs, I reconnected with my fellow graduates of the Class of '74 along with Mr. Lesser who was a Guidance Counselor back then. I also connected with Ayden Smart (see photo) who was our guide for the day, and shared with me the joy of winning the State Football Championship for Hayes. I congratulate him on graduating this year, and Mr. Lesser for his 53 years of service to the young men at Cardinal Hayes H.S. I owe all my success in life to the education received, and leadership qualities ingrained in me at Hayes. Up Hayes and all its loyal men!

I had wonderful years at Hayes. Class of 1990

I support Cardinal Hayes because of men like William Lessor, who have dedicated their lives at this institution to take boys with disadvantaged backgrounds and shape them into men with futures that are without limits! Up Hsyes and All Its Loyal Men!

Mr. Lessa was a true gift from God to the students, faculty and staff at Cardinal Hayes!

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement.

In honor of Mr. Lessa

A remarkable educator, a remarkable man!

Your devotion, leadership and belief in my son shaped him into the person he is today. We are so grateful to you and all of the devoted, dignified and tireless men and women of Hayes.

I appreciate all that you have done for my brothers and me. Up hayes!!

Congratulations on your retirement, Mr. Lessa! Your commitment to work hard, dedication and excellence has been invaluable assets to Hayes. It has been my great pleasure to have worked with you. All the best!

Cardinal Hayes is an excellent school and I am proud to be an alumni.

Look forward to celebrating Mr. Lessa’s life and career!

I had the pleasure of being both a student and a teacher under the tutelage of Mr. Bill Lessa. I would not be where I am today without his guidance. Thank you, always!

He was a force way back in ‘77 congrats on a well-deserved retirement.

In honor of Msgr. John J. Graham

Fr. Graham was my former religion teacher and hired me to join the Hayes faculty that would lead to a 35-year career in education. Hayes is not just a school, it is a way of life.

Mr. Lessa, Congratulations on your well-earned retirement! Your dedication to guiding Hayesmen has left a lasting impact on so many, myself included. Your tough love and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for us—whether we realized it at the time or not—helped shape the paths we took. I’m grateful for the lessons you instilled in me, the wake-up call I needed, and the belief that every student has the potential to succeed. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter—you’ve more than earned it! With gratitude, Darwin Martinez

It is almost overwhelming to consider that for over fifty years, William Lessa has played a pivotal role in guiding the lives of young men, including my own. I remain deeply grateful for his mentorship during my time at Hayes (40 years ago!) and humbled by the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

William Lessa was a student at Our Lady of Solace, where our Presentation Sisters taught. He continued the legacy of Catholic education and we wish him many blessings!

Congratulations, Deep Gratitude and Many Blessings to Mr. Lessa for His Life and Service!

Up Hayes

Transformative years.

In honor of Waldemar Roque

In honor of Classmates and friends of the class of '53 from the 'Hood, Harlem.

Cardinal Hayes helped me to be who I am today, Rev. Kenneth L. Radcliffe, Deacon, father of two fantastic daughters, Dr. Kendahl E. Radcliffe, Ph.D, Lisa A Radcliffe, Esq. grandfather of two Grandsons Elijah Radcliffe-Davis, UCLA '23, and Justin Alexander Radcliffe and with Much Love and Gratitude to My Beloved Wife for Fifty-Three Years, the late Shirley Jones Radcliffe.

My wonderful years at Cardinal Hayes will always be with me. My teachers and my friends kept me on the right path in life! May God be with us

Dear Mr. Lessa (Bill), thank you for dedicating your life to helping young men grow and develop. Your commitment will never be forgotten. Peace and happiness, Walter LeStrange

Hayes has gave me the opportunity to be the best version of myself.

Principal Lessa has had a major impact and influence on so many of us Hayesmen and I speak for my brothers Bernard and Timothy. Thank you Principal Lessa.,

Dedication to the school

Mr. Lessa was my guidance counselor my senior year. He helped me realize that college was possible for me and helped me narrow my choices. I am forever grateful.

Guidance Center worked hard for the guys when I was at Hayes!

In honor of Ian Williams & Reginald Sanders Jr. Class of 1983 RIP

Thank You Mr. Lessa for your commitment and leadership. Continued Blessings

In honor of Daniel Aponte

Hayes made my son to be very successful of what he is today!!

In honor of M

I remember that Mr. Lessa was not a principal when I was a student in '83. Up with Mr Lessa, and All his loyal men.

Thank you Principal Lessa!!

In honor of William Lessa

Congratulations, Bill, on this well deserved honor!

Bill Lessa has dedicated his entire adult life to the service of others and has made a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of young men and our Cardinal Hayes teachers and staff. What a legend!!