New Jersey’s new Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way had a sort of homecoming on Wednesday, visiting the two schools that she attended while growing up in the Bronx.

Governor Phil Murphy named Way to the position less than a month ago on September 8, 2023, following the death of her predecessor, Sheila Oliver in August. Alongside her responsibilities as lieutenant governor, she retains her position as New Jersey’s secretary of state.

After a stop at Cardinal Spellman High School, from which Way graduated in 1988, she visited Holy Rosary School, where she attended from kindergarten through eighth grade. Way was greeted by a delegation of students, who presented her with small gifts, a card, and numerous posters including “You Are Student of the Week.”

Way toured classrooms throughout the school, pointing out where she had attended classes, and receiving greetings from students and faculty members.

At the end of her tour, Way spoke to the school’s older students. “Growing up in the Bronx for me, this school was indeed a big part of making me understand the person who I would become and who I am today,” Way said.

“This is a place where I grew from a small child into a young person with huge ideas about myself, the world, and my future. Simply put, Holy Rosary helped me define my purpose, and it ultimately made me feel, as an inner city girl, worthy,” she added.

“I think it’s amazing for the students because it’s very tangible to have someone come back who has sat where they sat, gone through what they’ve gone through, and being in a position to help others, a career of service,” said Holy Rosary School Principal Maryann Fusco told The Good Newsroom.

Sister Patricia Anastasio, now the associate superintendent for teacher personnel for the Archdiocese of New York, was principal of Holy Rosary during Way’s last five years there. She told The Good Newsroom that she had no particular memory of Way as a student, but that was probably a good thing, as it meant she was not getting into trouble. “The children in this school were just wonderful, so I’m sure she was just like all of the students here.”