Walter Lace – Board Trustee

Walter D. Lace, Principal, St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, West Islip, NY

Walter, or Wally, as he is affectionately known, lives in Brightwaters with his wife, Arlene ‘71.  He grew up in Queens/Valley Stream.  Both of his children are SJB graduates; Michael ’93 and Allison ’96, and he is the proud grandfather of Brett, Kelly, and Owen. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Iona College in 1967, a Master of Arts from Stony Brook University in 1979, and a post-Master’s Certificate in Administration in 1991.

Wally has a long and dedicated commitment to Catholic Education with 44 years of service to SJB, sixteen of which as Principal. His commitment and dedication to excellence is responsible for the current success of SJB.  St. John’s has come to be known for its extensive athletic programs, its academic excellence, and its spiritual core which proudly fosters an environment that challenges students to reach their true potential.  It is a school where “all are welcome” and  currently boasts a robust enrollment of over 1,700 students. 

Wally first started his career at SJB in 1967 as a Social Studies Teacher, became the Department Chair in 1975 and was appointed Assistant Principal in 1991.  He became SJB’s 5th Principal in 1995.  His professional experience as a teacher, mentor and administrator and extensive communication with parents, students, faculty and staff, has been invaluable to all at SJB.  Throughout the years, he has worn many hats at SJB, including Director of Development in 1988.

In 2009, the dedication of “The Walter D. Lace Tennis Complex” took place, named in honor of its much loved Principal, who coached the tennis team to 13 consecutive championships from 1970 to 1982.  

 The “Mini-Theatre”, the classroom space he used to teach college-credit Sociology, was renamed The Lace Lecture Hall in his honor.

 Wally retired in June, 2011. His philosophy, whether as a coach, teacher or administrator, can be summed by in a single phrase, ”Teamwork makes the dream work!!”  It is that kind of heartfelt dedication that has symbolized who Wally really is.