Ray Labate and the Labate family
In January, the Riverview School District accepted the retirement of Ray Labate, longtime Principal and former Assistant Principal of Cedarcrest High School.
Mr. Labate retires after 28 years in school district administration, with 25 of those serving Riverview School District. He joined Cedarcrest as an Assistant Principal in July 1998, was named Interim Principal in December 2015, and subsequently hired as Principal in March 2016. His extensive background in coaching and mentoring, from his days as a physical education instructor and assistant basketball coach at Eastern Washington University, and as an assistant coach with North Adams State College Basketball in Massachusetts, served as a precursor to years spent as the head coach for Cedarcrest Varsity Boys Basketball from 1999-2008.
Celebrating student achievement and success has always been of high importance to Mr. Labate. He instituted the “Pride of the Pack” award, recognizing graduating seniors who have made the greatest impact in their time at Cedarcrest. He was instrumental in bringing AAU Basketball to the community, encouraged increases in the availability of extracurricular opportunities for students, and gave Cedarcrest students space to learn, grow, and engage. Mr. Labate served on a variety of district committees, bargaining teams, and the Riverview Principals Association. His leadership was significant as he guided the Red Wolves community through tragic loss among the student body and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying challenges.
“I thank Ray Labate for his years of service to Cedarcrest High School and Riverview School District,” says district superintendent, Dr. Susan Leach. “Ray is a veteran leader who has given so much to this community through the years. He leaves big shoes to fill as he enters a most well-deserved retirement.”
Mr. Labate will conclude the 2022-2023 school year in his existing role. The district will begin conducting a nationwide search to find applicants for the hiring of the next principal of Cedarcrest High School.
A tireless advocate for students, a dedicated coach and mentor, and a committed leader of his staff, school, and community, the Riverview School District wishes Ray Labate the very best with his pending retirement and thank him for 25 years of service to the Red Wolves and Riverview Community.