By Lorenzo Lombardi

This year at La Salle Academy, eighteen teachers have joined the LSA faculty. Though there are so many, we should highlight each of them. Meet Brother James Dries, our new Sophomore Chemistry teacher. Growing up in Woodside, NY, located in Queens, he found interest in teaching during grammar school. The kindness and inspirational nature of his teachers who were Catholic Nuns and Christian Brothers showed him the importance of teaching, which propelled him to pursue teaching later in his life. After college and years of teaching at other schools, the East-Coast Brother Visitor, who is in charge of all of the Brothers on the East Coast, suggested he should come here to La Salle Academy to teach chemistry. In respect of the Brother visitor, he took the position and found himself here in quaint Rhode Island. Coming into his new role, his philosophy of education continues to drive him in his teaching. “Every student has the ability to learn and get better in their education,” he says, showing his dedication to his students and their learning. Even in ten years, he hopes to still be in the academic realm doing whatever he can to still be a helping hand in the community. 

Outside the academic community, Brother James enjoys reading mainly mystery, law, and detective books. He likes to take walks through nature which help him stay physically active. Aside from traveling on foot, he has also traveled around the globe to serve for his brotherhood in the Church. He has been to Kenya, Ethiopia, and many other places to serve and has been confirmed within the Catholic Church. A fun fact is that he originally wanted his Confirmation name to be “Zorro” which was the name of a TV show, but his parents denied, so he chose the name Michael instead. So if you see him in the hallway, be sure to say hello. The LSA community is very excited to have him here for years to come.