One of the great blessings of working in a Lasallian school is being surrounded by people who have answered a call. Long before they taught a class, answered a phone, prepared a lesson, or greeted a student in the hallway, they chose to dedicate their lives to helping young people grow into the people God calls them to be. The profound beauty of this vocation is that educators rarely see the full impact of their work. A word of encouragement, a well-taught lesson, a moment of kindness, or a relationship built over time can shape a life for years, even decades, to come. In a Lasallian school, that calling becomes a ministry.
Yesterday, at our annual faculty and staff luncheon, we had the privilege of honoring four members of the Christian Brothers Academy family who are retiring at the end of this school year. Together, they represent 84 years of service to CBA and have shaped thousands of lives along the way. While the years are impressive, the true measure of their legacy lies in the relationships they built, the lives they influenced, and the countless ways they helped our students become the people God created them to be.
Dave Roache (Social Studies, 35 Years)
For more than three decades, Mr. Roache has helped students understand the complexities of history while challenging them to think critically about the world around them. Generations of students have benefited from his wisdom, humor, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether sharing practical lessons drawn from the Gospel and everyday life, discussing current events, faithfully rooting for the New York Mets, or connecting over a favorite recipe, Mr. Roache has a remarkable ability to make people feel valued. His friendship, kindness, and thoughtful guidance have enriched the lives of students and colleagues alike.
Vin Horan (Religion, 24 Years)
Through his classes and daily interactions, Mr. Horan has helped countless students deepen their faith, wrestle with life's most important questions, and discover God's presence in their lives. His influence extends far beyond the classroom. Throughout his years at CBA, Mr. Horan has offered an unwavering and compassionate presence, meeting students where they are and reminding them, through both words and actions, that they are loved. In many ways, he has embodied one of the central truths of a Lasallian education: that every student is known, valued, and cherished by God.
Connie Bassett (Administrative Assistant, 14 Years)
Often working behind the scenes, Ms. Bassett has been one of the welcoming faces of CBA, supporting students, families, faculty, and administrators with kindness, professionalism, and grace. Schools simply cannot function without people like Ms. Bassett, whose steady presence and willingness to help have made a difference in countless ways, both seen and unseen.
Bonnie Williams (Mathematics, 11 Years)
Mrs. Williams has brought patience, skill, and encouragement to her students every day, helping them build confidence as they mastered challenging concepts. Her enthusiasm for mathematics is contagious, but what truly distinguishes Mrs. Williams is the joy she brings to our community. Whether in the classroom, on the sidelines at athletic contests, or supporting extracurricular activities, she has consistently shown students that she cares about them as people, not just as learners. Her genuine love for her students and her vibrant spirit have left a lasting impression on our community.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle understood that education is a sacred ministry because it transforms lives one relationship at a time. He believed that the work of educators is holy work, a partnership with God in helping young people discover their gifts, deepen their faith, and realize their potential. Our retirees have lived that mission faithfully. They remind us that the most important lessons are often taught not through lectures or textbooks, but through daily examples of dedication, compassion, patience, and presence. Long after specific lessons are forgotten, students remember how their teachers and mentors made them feel.
As Mr. Roache, Mr. Horan, Ms. Bassett, and Mrs. Williams begin this next chapter, we offer our heartfelt gratitude and prayers. We thank them for the gifts they have shared with our community and for the enduring legacy they leave behind at Christian Brothers Academy.
If you are a former student, parent, colleague, or friend whose life was impacted by one of these remarkable individuals, I encourage you to take a moment to share your gratitude. Notes may be sent to the main office or emailed directly to them at the addresses listed below. Few gifts mean more than hearing how your work made a difference in someone's life.
On behalf of the entire CBA community, thank you, Mr. Roache, Mr. Horan, Ms. Bassett, and Mrs. Williams! The lessons you taught, the encouragement you offered, and the relationships you built will continue to bear fruit long after your final day on campus. May God bless you abundantly in retirement, grant you joy in the years ahead, and remind you often of the countless lives you have touched.
Live Jesus in our hearts...forever.
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
