“Repetitio Est Mater Studiorum” – those words [Latin proverb which translates into “repetition is the mother of all learning”] were etched into my memory during my four years at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, New York. It was a phrase that seemed to resonate through the hallowed halls of this all-boys Catholic institution, where strict discipline and a dedication to education were the order of the day. Many of our educators were Christian Brothers, men of the cloth who seemed to take their role as disciplinarians as seriously as their mission to impart knowledge.
The daily routine was a blend of rigorous academics and adherence to a strict dress code. Slacks, loafers, white button-down shirts, ties, and sports coats were the norm, with seniors earning the privilege of shedding their coats during the muggy late spring and early summer months. Fr. Ansaldi, our formidable Dean of Discipline, was a sentinel at the entrance each morning, scanning the sea of young faces for any dress code violations or grooming mishaps. His “butter knife” inspections during gym class were legendary, as he measured hair length with the precision of a surgeon, even employing unorthodox methods like dipping into the Afro-style hair of some of my African-American classmates to ensure compliance. Dress code infractions meant after-school detention, a fate no student wished to endure. Looking back, those experiences taught us not only the value of discipline and order but also the enduring importance of education, no matter the strictures that accompanied it.
I will forever be grateful for the indelible mark left by the exceptional educators I was fortunate to encounter during my high school years. Teachers like Fr. Ansaldi, Fr. O’Herlihy, Mr. Canton, Mrs. Pubillones, Fr. Principe, and Mr. Lessa were not merely instructors; they were mentors and guides who instilled in me a profound appreciation for knowledge and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their unwavering dedication to educating students went beyond the confines of the classroom, shaping not only our academic pursuits but also our character. The lessons they imparted, often accompanied by well-intended academic discipline, have had a lasting impact on my lifelong passion for learning, reminding me that education is not confined to the classroom but extends far beyond, enriching every facet of life. These remarkable educators have left an enduring legacy in the hearts and minds of their students, and I am forever grateful for the inspiration and wisdom they bestowed upon me.