St. Raymond High School for Boys

Saint Raymond High School for Boys
Address
2151 St. Raymond Avenue New York City (Parkchester, Bronx), New York, 10462 United States
Coordinates	40°50′16″N 73°51′14″W
Information
Type	Private, All-Male
Religious affiliation(s)	Roman Catholic
Established	1960
Founder	Msgr. John Corrigan
Principal	Br. Daniel Gardner, F.S.C.
Asst. Principal	Judith Carew, Michael Norelli
Pastor	Msgr. John Graham
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	750  (2008)
Color(s)	Blue and Orange
Team name	Ravens
Accreditation(s)	Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Average SAT scores	1550
Website	www.straymondhighschool.org

St. Raymond High School for Boys is a parochial high school affiliated with the New York, U.S.A. Archdiocesan Association of Catholic Schools. It is accredited by the Board of Regents of the State of New York, the Middle States Association and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The school is a recipient of a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award (1994–1996), and holds memberships with the National Catholic Education Association and the Catholic Administrators Association of New York State. It is located within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York in the Parkchester section of The Bronx.

History

    For almost fifty years, St. Raymond High School has been a vital ingredient in the academic, social, athletic and spiritual growth of over 6,500 young men. It all began when Msgr. Corrigan, a former pastor of St Raymond's Parish, was very concerned that a number of children in the Parkchester-Castle Hill- Zerega area were unable to gain admission to existing Catholic schools in the Bronx. So, Msgr. Corrigan received permission from Francis Cardinal Spellman to begin a 9th grade for the boys of the parish, which opened in September, 1958. The purpose of this program was to impart one more year of Catholic education to those who would find it necessary to continue their secondary education in the public school system.When in the spring of 1959, it became clear that the parish would definitely acquire a building, it was decided to establish the high school; or rather high schools, one for the boys and an academy for the girls. St. Raymond High School for Boys was formerly a Con Edison maintenance building purchased by the parish for approximately $1 million dollars. The De La Salle Brothers, otherwise known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools, were entrusted with the challenge of providing Christian education and formation of the boys of St. Raymond Parish. Brother Martin Schmidt, St. Raymond's first principal had the challenge of imparting to these boys the spirit of academic excellence, which has always been the trademark of their congregation, since it was founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle in 1680. Brother Martin's groundbreaking work in Christian education was to be continued by Brother Matthew Maloney, who was here as St. Raymond's principal from 1963 to 1966.   In the fall of 1966, a high school which was primarily established for the boys of St. Raymond Parish, expanded and opened its doors to young men of other neighborhoods. In 1966, the enrollment rose to 750 boys. Brother Andrew O'Gara, the school's third principal, who was to remain here until 1979, was to give the needed leadership and administrative expertise, so that the school was able to attain the following achievements: induction into the National Honor Society in 1968; the entry of the school Varsity Basketball team in the city semifinals with Power Memorial High School in 1972; the establishment of a baseball team, both on the varsity and junior varsity level; the establishment of a forensic society for public speaking which, in the mid 1970's, collected 15-20 awards yearly in both city and state competition; the entry of the school in a new sport which was canoeing. Track remained a stationary sport for the Ravens of St. Raymond, seeing their achievements year after year being reported in the well-organized Nonatus yearbook.   This period ended with an enrollment of 890 boys showing the expansion of the influence of this institution beyond the Castle Hill-Zerega-Parkchester communities. St. Raymond continued to uphold its stable traditions in academic, athletic, social and spiritual endeavors with Brother Christopher Foley, who succeeded Brother Andrew O'Gara. During this time St. Raymond's captured its first City Championship under baseball coach Jim Jones. Brother Christopher remained as principal until 1981. Brother Stephen Caplice followed as St. Raymond's fifth principal, maintaining the hallmark of educational excellence. Brother Raymond Meagher succeeded Brother Stephen in the fall of 1983. Under Brother Raymond's ten years of service St. Raymond High School continued to meet the needs of its students by expanding the computer program, introducing cooperative learning, and introducing campus ministry and social service programs. St. Raymond's enjoyed success in athletics in these years, winning two City Championships and one State title in basketball under Coach Gary DeCesare.   In the fall of 1993 Brother Frank Byrne became the seventh principal of St. Raymond’s and continued the Lasallian tradition of Christian education. St. Raymond’s received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award at the White House in May 1996. The school expanded by renovating the old gym into a chapel, library, science lab and offices, and adding a new gymnasium. These were dedicated by John Cardinal O’Connor in September 1997. In the spring of 1998 St. Raymond’s was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Br. Daniel Brenner became the eighth principal of St. Raymond HS for Boys and developed a strong technology program in the school. Br. Daniel Gardner became the principal in September 2006. The school was re-accredited by the Middle States Association and is currently in the final phases of building an addition to the current facility that will include new computer labs, a music center, an art studio, classrooms, and several areas dedicated to student life. The current pastor of St. Raymond Church is Peter  The tradition, history and service of the Brothers, along with other religious and lay teachers, speak for themselves. The thrust of St. Raymond's mission, to bring the faith and Christian living to the young, in the past, in the present, and in the future makes the motto of St. John Baptist de La Salle: "Live Jesus in our Hearts" real and living. St. Raymond High School for Boys will continue to be the guiding light for future leaders of the Church and the world.

Education for Young Men

The primary purpose of St. Raymond High School is to provide a college preparatory Catholic education for its students. Success depends on a student’s consistent commitment to his studies and the support and interest of parents. At St. Raymond High School for Boys there are guidelines whose purpose is to help the students grow in maturity, responsibility and a Christian manner. Observance of these guidelines should be motivated by the students’ commitment to their own growth and the growth of the school's community. By enrollment at St. Raymond High School for Boys, it is understood that the student and his parents share a willingness to comply with the school’s interpretation and enforcement of the guidelines found in the student handbook.

The school offers a variety of courses that also adhere to the guidelines of other New York City schools such as both Italian and Spanish as a second language. In addition, the school regularly offers a trip to Italy and The Vatican during the pascal season in order for the students to further their knowledge of Christianity.

Athletics

Participation in the athletic program at St. Raymond High School for Boys is a privilege that carries certain responsibilities. Each student-athlete must abide by the rules established by the coach as well as make a firm commitment to the school, the coach and teammates. As a representative of St. Raymond High School, the student-athlete's behavior is to reflect the high standards of the school. This commitment will be demonstrated by a dedication to the sport, self-discipline, a willingness to work hard to improve and by a good attitude both on and off the playing field. Intramural competition takes place exclusively on the St. Raymond campus and is available to all students. Of course the baseball team is the best in the city

Extracurricular activities

Students who attend St.Raymonds have many extracurricular activities to select from in addition to athletics. There are several Extracurricular activities like Art Club, Band,Black Cultural Awareness Club, Chorus, Habitat for Humanity,History Club, International Club, LaSallian Youth, Math Tutoring Club, National Honor Society, Nonatus—School Yearbook, Raven Ambassadors, Senior Mentors, Student Council, The Raven Record—School Newspaper,Weightroom/Fitness Club, and etc.

Notes

• The School's Mascot is "The Raven"
• NBA star Allan Ray, Former Player of the Boston Celtics, Currently in Lottomatica Roma, is a former student from the school.
• NBA star Julius Hodge, currently playing for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian NBL, is a former student from the school.
• The school has won several city and national trophies and awards based on their sports.

External links

• St. Raymond High School Official Site