Farewell and Fond Wishes to Mrs. Leness and Coach Muñoz

On June 7, 2018, the St. Bernard’s community gathered to bid farewell to Jean Leness and Hector Muñoz.  With over eighty years of teaching and coaching at St. B’s between them, it is hard to imagine the school without them.

Current families, past parents, Old Boys, current faculty members, and former faculty members all joined in celebration of Mrs. Leness and Coach Muñoz.  Mr. Johnson paid tribute to them both, and those in attendance shared their memories.  Many noted the impact Hector had on the lacrosse field and beyond.  With discipline, guidance, and unconditional support he taught the boys on his teams, in his classes, and in his advisory groups.  He was instrumental in establishing the Faculty and Staff Diversity Committee and devoted decades of work to support diversity at St. Bernard’s.
 
Many in attendance attributed the warm, nurturing atmosphere in the Junior School to the guidance of Mrs. Leness.  The focus on reading can be seen every day in the Junior School, but especially in a room that Mr. Johnson referred to the as the Jean Leness reading room, a tiny room with a blackboard and small chairs all nestled together in an intimate space perfect for reading.  To see Mrs. Leness reading with Junior School boys is magic, and decades of St. B’s boys have such memories.  Her focus on creating a strong, supportive community where each boy felt important has helped give young boys a wonderful foundation to build upon.

We wish Mrs. Leness and Coach Muñoz all the best and thank them for their many years of service.  They will both be greatly missed!
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