James L. Hayes, president and former principal and teacher at The Epiphany School in Manhattan, reflected on his retirement after nearly 50 years of dedicated service.

“It’s been a marvelous journey. I’ve just been blessed with the ability to help so many families raise their children in the Catholic faith, being able to present the values of our faith,” Hayes told The Good Newsroom in an August 14 phone interview. “One of the nicest things is seeing some of my graduates later in life. It’s just amazing seeing how successful they are – a number of them have kids in our school now, second and third generation going to Epiphany. It’s very heartwarming.”

Hayes, 78, said he is “greatly appreciative” of the kind, supportive words in an announcement letter from the principal, Kate D. McHugh, and Father Austin Titus, pastor of Church of the Epiphany. “I’ve had the support of so many people over the years. Kate McHugh, who is principal now, was a student of mine…It’s just wonderful to see so many people embrace Catholic education.”

Hayes, born and raised in the Bronx, graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from Iona University and a master’s in educational administration and curriculum from Manhattan College. He taught for nine years at St. Brendan’s School in the Bronx and one year at Epiphany before becoming Epiphany principal. He was appointed president of Epiphany eight years ago.

“So many wonderful people have made it (Epiphany) such a success story, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be a leader for all those people over the years. I certainly couldn’t have done it without all the support I got from teachers, parents, and clergy,” he noted.

Hayes is a married father of five and grandfather of 12. He lives with his wife, Anne Duffell. Having grown up in the Bronx, he’s a Yankees fan, “of course.” He enjoys playing golf, reading, and traveling.

A word from the school community 

“It is with deep gratitude and heartfelt emotion that we share the news of the retirement of our beloved school president, Mr. Jim Hayes, effective at the end of this summer,” McHugh and Father Titus stated in the announcement letter to the school community. 

“Mr. Hayes began his career as a Catholic educator in the Archdiocese of New York as a teacher at St. Brendan’s School (Bronx) in 1968. Mr. Hayes has served The Epiphany School with extraordinary dedication for nearly 50 years—as a teacher, a principal, and most recently as the first president of The Epiphany School. His legacy is one of unwavering faith, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to the mission of Catholic education,” the letter noted.

McHugh and Father Titus also said in the letter that during his 38-year tenure as principal, Hayes oversaw a period of tremendous growth at The Epiphany School: the school’s population grew from 250 to over 500 students, the physical plant expanded from one building to three, and cutting-edge technology was introduced at every grade level.

A new appointment and a message for Catholic educators   

The letter also announced a new appointment to the position of president: “At the same time, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Carroll French (a 1977 graduate and parent of a 2009 graduate) as the next president of The Epiphany School, effective September 1, 2025.”

The letter said that Carroll French “brings to this role a passion for Catholic education, a strong background in leadership, and a deep appreciation for the values that have guided Epiphany for over a century. She has experienced Epiphany as a student, parent, parishioner, Epiphany Family Association chair, and Epiphany School Foundation board member…We are confident that Ms. Carroll French will build upon Mr. Hayes’s remarkable legacy and help to guide Epiphany into a strong and faithful future.”

As Catholic educators head into the new school year, Hayes relayed a message to them via e-mail with The Good Newsroom: “With our ever-changing world, stay true to our mission to develop the hearts, minds, and souls of our students.”