June brought the graduation of the Class of 2016 at St. Augustine Catholic School in Washington, D.C, but for one of the first times in the 158-year school’s history, matriculation may have been overshadowed by other news: the retirement of Mrs. Lorrain Lee, vice principal.
A native of Suffolk, Va., Mrs. Lee came to St. Augustine in December 1983, after her husband Wilmon Lee took a government job. During her 32-year tenure at the 200-student school, she served in various capacities: middle school social studies and science teacher, vice principal, and director of aftercare.
Through various principals, including two religious sisters, and several pastors, Mrs. Lee stayed the course. Long days were the norm, and she went one step beyond in 2010, when she earned a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Trinity University of Washington, the same year she left classroom teaching and became the director of aftercare.
As Mrs. Lee and her husband move back to North Carolina, where they met in college, St. Augustine Catholic School owes them a debt of gratitude for the sharing of Mrs. Lee’s talents with the students and community of St. Augustine Catholic School.
BIMO has awarded St. Augustine Catholic School several grants to allow the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus to serve at the school. Help BIMO support schools and administrators serving African American and Native American students.
