Watch CBS News

With Heavy Heart, Lecker Prepares To Leave Cretin-Derham Hall Job

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It seems like Andrew Lecker is everywhere at St. Paul's Cretin-Derham Hall High School.

"I'm the attendance officer at Cretin-Derham Hall, and I check kids in and out of the building," Lecker said. "And I get to know their names, and they tell me their stories, and I share my stories."

Student-athlete Ellie Hitchcock sings his praises.

"You'll never find a more passionate person," Hitchcock said.

He loves this position, because he cares so much about the kids that walk through the door.

"I think it's important to know kids. I think in high school, everyone deserves to be called their first name," Lecker said. "I think that I would want to be called my first name when I was in high school."

It is that same passion he brings to the girls' lacrosse team.

Andrew Lecker With Cretin-Derham Hall's Girls Lacrosse Team
Andrew Lecker coaching his lacrosse team (credit: CBS)

"I've worked with Mr. Lecker since fifth grade, and he's just a coach that shows so much energy on the field. And he's really helped us, the whole team, through a lot," Hitchcock said. "I'm really lucky to be coached by him."

He loves this challenge of building a team.

"I love the kids, their energy. They bring a great passion to the field. I have fun with them every day. It's not even a job or coaching, it's just out there having fun with them," he said. "I want them to learn life lessons on the field. I want them to learn from me ... what's right and what's wrong, and be good teammates."

This is, however, his last school year in the hallways. He accepted a position to coach more lacrosse, which will also allow him to coach the high school team.

That means the hallway memories are almost over. And that is why he is emotional these days. Doing a job he loves, and being around the people he loves, is coming to an end.

"They lift me up every single moment," Lecker said. "Showing an interest in one's life is really important, and when you show an interest in somebody's life, you want to give the same thing back to them."

We want to hear about the person in your school with the most school spirit. We know there are a lot of great stories out there. Click here to submit your pick.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.