Eileen Hanley, assistant principal for Admissions and Student Life at St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, is retiring Feb.24. Hanley has been a member of the faculty and staff of Paul VI for more than 38 years.
Prior to entering education, Hanley worked in the fashion industry and took time off after having two children. After several years, she wanted to return to the workforce and assumed it would be back to the fashion industry, which she knew would be difficult with two young children.
But God had other plans. “I was reading the Sunday bulletin after Mass and saw an ad for teachers for a new Catholic high school,” Hanley recalled. “I created a new resume and with no experience sent it to Father Donald Heet (founding principal). Several months later — it was now spring and I no longer had cabin fever — he called me back. I was shocked, but went in for an interview. The rest is history.”
Hanley started at Paul VI in 1984, the school’s second year. She wrote the curriculum for the Family and Consumer Science Department, along with Marketing and Fashion Merchandising. During her first year, Hanley taught Child Development and filled in wherever she was needed, including teaching Algebra 1, World History and Earth Science, as well as serving as a sub in every department.
After years in the classroom, Hanley became responsible for Student Life in 1999 and added Admissions to her plate in 2002. She went back to school and completed a master’s in educational leadership from Marymount University in Arlington. She became an assistant principal in 2004. From advising the student government, to planning prom, graduation, and open houses, from visiting partner elementary schools, reviewing applications, and easing the transition for new families, Hanley has worked to create opportunities, events, and programs that provide numerous opportunities for students to grow in grace and wisdom.
In doing so, Hanley has left an indelible mark on Paul VI, according to her colleagues.
“I have been blessed to collaborate and work with Eileen for over 20 years,” said Principal Tom Opfer. “Through her passion for quality Catholic education combined with her love of student activities, she has worked hard to help create a school culture that values the individual needs and talents of all our students. She has the heart of a shepherd who always seeks ways to help our school community grow.”
“I worked with Eileen in the admissions office for 10 years,” said Glenn Farello. “Eileen fostered an environment where there is something for everyone at PVI. From their first visit as a Panther for a Day, to Freshman Fun Days and Orientation, students felt welcomed, connected to the school, and connected to each other. Eileen was phenomenal at giving everyone an opportunity to find something at PVI.”
When asked about her favorite memories, Hanley joked that there are too many to count and that she could write a book. Helping create traditions for a new high school always will hold a special place in her heart. For instance, she called Paul VI’s first graduation and prom “monumental.” She fondly recalled trips to New York City with her fashion classes and all the fashion shows. Most recently, she enjoyed traveling to London to watch the basketball team compete on a global stage. From her students, she has “learned the importance of being real.”
After 38 years, “most importantly, I will cherish all the people I have met along the way,” she said.
“I want to say thank you to all my students, parents and co-workers. My life went in a very different direction than I had planned and I have all of you to thank. I have made so many lifelong friends who have honestly become family. Thank you to everyone and for all the love that I have received. No one can ask for anything more.”
