Carrie Hayes

As the Foundation for the Benefit of Helias Catholic High School kicks off our 2021 “Continue the Legacy: One Gift, One Goal” annual fund drive campaign, we would like to focus this edition of our Alumni Spotlight on this year’s campaign vice-chair, Carrie Hayes.

Carrie graduated from Helias in 1994, and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University. She currently works as both a member of the St. Peter Interparish School office staff, and full-time manager of the Hayes family.

“First, I am a wife and mom,” she explains. “I also work three days a week in the office at St. Peter School helping students, parents, teachers and staff with whatever their needs may be. I also help my husband, Keith, with office needs for our company, Hayes Plumbing, Inc.”

Carrie and her husband Keith, both members of the Helias class of 1994, have two children – Carson and Caroline, both of whom are current students at Helias. The Hayes family attends St. Peter Church.

Aside from serving as this year’s fund drive campaign vice-chair, Hayes has also spent many years volunteering at St. Peter School and Church. She has also maintained an active role as an officer (including president) in the Tri-Cap Youth Wrestling program.

In her free time (when she has it), Hayes says that she loves to cook, spend time with her family and friends at the Lake, and travel.

Q & A
HF: What are some of your fondest memories of your time at Helias? 
CH: My fondest memory of Helias is the school spirit. Any given night/weekend you could find most Helias students at a Helias sporting event, and often followed by social hour in the parking lot. It was very rare for me to miss an event at school: volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, wrestling (including State Wrestling in COMO), and all the dances.

HF: What impact did Helias and/or your teachers/coaches/etc. make on you? Any specific examples? 
CH: To pick just one, Sister Jean Dietrich made a big impact on me. Sister Jean was always stern with me but also forgiving. I try to be this way with my children. She told me what she expected from me, and I did my best not to disappoint her.

HF: How do you feel Helias personally prepared you academically and/or socially for your future (school, career, etc.)?
CH: Helias helped to shape me into the adult I am. Helias challenged me academically and thus brought on study habits I continued throughout college. From my previous answer, you know it also had a role in making me the mom I am.

HF: Proudest Helias moment for you personally?
CH: I am very proud that our children have the opportunity to attend our Alma Mater. Walking the same halls as we did with several of our same teachers… it’s a big deal.

HF: What does “Helias Community” mean to you? 
CH: Once a Sader, always a Sader! The school spirit I mentioned earlier still exists. The families I went to high school with are still here, still cheering on Helias! They are attending Helias sporting events, and Helias social events. They are supporting Helias fundraisers, employing Helias students, volunteering their time and talents for Helias needs. The “Helias Community” is school spirit.

HF: Why do you think “giving back,” either financially or otherwise, is so important when it comes to being a part of the Helias community? 
CH: What would our school be without school spirit? Keep our legacy going for our future Saders.

HF: What motivates you in your role as vice-chair of the Annual Fund Drive?
CH: Have you ever met Mark Schell!? Mark motivates me! He is one of the most giving people I know. I am proud to be on his team, supporting something we both love and appreciate – Helias!

HF: Tell me a Crusader – family, friend, former teacher/classmate, someone in the Helias community, etc.; can be anyone – who inspires you and why. 
CH: To name only a few: Each and every coach, teacher, support staff, and volunteer at Helias. It takes a village of dedicated, supportive “Helias Community” members to keep the school spirit going! I know that they love Helias as I do. I know they put in a lot of “extra” to help make our kids successful. Their involvement pushes me to do more.Also, Keith Hayes, my friend and running buddy all of high school and now my husband. Keith is my constant reminder to let it go, smile, and make the most of it! We are still having a blast together!

HF: What makes you proud to say you’re a Crusader?
CH: The “Helias Community”, the “school spirit” is everything that makes me proud to be a Crusader!

HF: Words to live by (your own or a favorite quote)?
CH: “Give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” – unknown