Three Cheers for Thirty Years

For 30 years, Mr. Brian Delacey has used art class at Cathedral to inspire creativity and raise self-awareness. In an energetic show of appreciation, The Cathedral School community had some surprises for him last Friday. 
 
The day began with Head of School Erica Corbin declaring October 22, 2021, “Delacey Day.” Throughout the day, Lower School students continued to deluge Mr. Delacey at odd moments with a favorite–candy corn–which amassed to 30 bags by the day's end. At the end of the day, in a meeting, he was presented with a large framed picture containing thank you messages from students in all his grades as well as photos of Mr. Delacey throughout the years.
 
But the biggest surprise of the day came at departure time. Faculty, staff, students, and family members lined up from the Front Porch steps and stretched down the Upper Drive towards Amsterdam Avenue. When Mr. Delacey left school for the afternoon, the community greeted him with cheers, applause, and colorful hand-made signs. His wife and former Cathedral School music teacher, Arden Delacey, secretly awaited to congratulate him as well. 
 
“Wow. Thanks so much to all of you incredible secret keepers,” wrote Mr. Delacey afterwards. “I was so moved. The nicest thing is that this wasn't because I'm retiring from The Cathedral School but just to celebrate. It was a wonderful day. I’m lucky to be here with all of you in this special place.”
 
Mr. Delacey began his career at Cathedral in the fall of 1991. In addition to teaching both Lower and Upper School art, he served as faculty advisor to Student Council for 20 years, organized over 75 junior high dances, and participated in many school fundraisers–such as the one that raised funds for the GaGa pit. He met his wife Arden at Cathedral and his son Weston ‘15 is a Cathedral alumnus. When he isn’t teaching at Cathedral, he can be found in his downtown studio space creating his own artwork. You can view his work at www.briandelacey.com.
 
Earlier last week, in celebration of his service, 4th grade students interviewed Mr. Delacey to find out what brought him to Cathedral and what keeps him here. Watch that wonderful interview here. You can view photos of the wonderful Friday afternoon send-off here. Congratulations Mr. Delacey!
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