Episode 40 | Father Edwin Leahy on Reopening St. Benedict’s: A Story of Resilience and Community

Summary

In this conversation, Fr. Edwin Leahy, headmaster of St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, shares the remarkable journey of reopening the school after its closure due to financial and racial tensions. He discusses the innovative educational practices that foster leadership, community, and emotional well-being among students, emphasizing student-led initiatives, experiential learning, and the role of sports in building relationships. Fr. Leahy also highlights the importance of listening to the community, networking to expand the school's influence, and collaborating with law enforcement to foster empathy, understanding, and a supportive environment for student success.

Takeaways

The reopening of St. Benedict's Prep was driven by community input.
Listening to the community is essential for effective education.
Experiential education was a key focus in the school's early years.
Student leadership is central to the school's operation.
Building relationships with law enforcement can foster community trust.
The school has adapted its structure to include student leaders.
Racism and its impact on education must be addressed openly.
Education should empower students to take responsibility.
The school's model has been successful for over 50 years.
Understanding the needs of students is crucial for their development.
Student-led initiatives can drive significant change.
Empowering students fosters leadership skills.
Emotional challenges often hinder academic performance.
Understanding different realities is crucial in education.
Networking has expanded the school's influence nationally.
Sports can bridge gaps between communities.
Empathy is essential for effective education.
Counseling support is vital for student success.

Soundbites

"I think you just reopened St. Benedict's Prep."
"Just because people are poor doesn't mean they don't know."
"Don't do it for kids where kids can do it for themselves."
"God speaks in mysterious ways sometimes."
"All done by students."
"It's not rocket science."

Chapters

00:40 Introduction of Fr. Edwin Leahy

01:37 The Journey of St. Benedict's Prep School

08:23 Listening and Learning from the Community

09:48 Innovative Educational Practices at St. Benedict's

15:53 Building Relationships with Law Enforcement

21:09 Empowering Students to Lead

25:03 Expanding Influence Through Networking

28:11 Understanding Different Realities

About Father Leahy

Father Edwin Leahy became headmaster of St. Benedict’s Prep in 1972, leading its reopening after racial and financial struggles. Under his leadership, the school grew from 89 to over 750 students, focusing on empowering young men of color in a safe, inclusive environment. His work has earned national recognition, including induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and features on CBS’s *60 Minutes*. Known for emphasizing student empowerment and community trust, Father Leahy also received the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Urban School Leadership in 2014. He is dedicated to expanding the school with new facilities and international partnerships.

Connect with Father Leahy

LinkedIn: @edwin-leahy
X: @FrEdwinLeahy