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Detroit Cristo Rey High School Board of Directors Announces Appointment of New President

The Detroit Cristo Rey High School Board of Directors is pleased to announce that William R. McGrail has been appointed as President of Detroit Cristo Rey High School, effective January 5, 2026.

McGrail was selected following an extensive national search. Board President, Joaquin Nuno-Whelan, shared, “McGrail brings a strong background in strategic leadership, operational management, fundraising, and people development. Equally compelling is his deep passion as a champion for youth and commitment to educational opportunity.”

The President role will be externally focused, with responsibility for community engagement, strategic planning, organizational development, fundraising, and long-term financial sustainability.

“I am honored and humbled at the opportunity to lead the remarkable mission of Detroit Cristo Rey and to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid down since its founding in 2008 to help our students realize their full potential and achieve their dreams,” said Bill McGrail. “I look forward to working with all of our dedicated stakeholders to ensure that Detroit Cristo Rey continues to be a beacon of opportunity for the young women, men and families that we serve.”

Most recently, Bill led fundraising, community partnership efforts and securing new work experience partnerships for Loyola High School in Detroit. He also spearheaded the successful visioning, development and execution of the $9M Empower Loyola capital campaign.

“Bill is exceptionally well-suited to lead Detroit Cristo Rey into its next chapter,” said Mary Messana, who chaired the Search Committee. “Bill’s experience, faith-driven leadership, and dedication to student success will strengthen our mission and expand opportunities for young people across Detroit.”

William R. McGrail, DCR High School President

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Detroit Cristo Rey High School provides an excellent college-preparatory Catholic high school education, in the Cristo Rey model, to students with limited economic resources in Detroit. The school emphasizes faith, morals and service to the community. Through its Corporate Work Study Program, the school fosters skills and attitudes important in the workplace, such as responsibility, determination and respect for self and others.

In the finest tradition of Catholic outreach, we welcome families of all denominations. With a challenging and supportive college preparatory program, we equip students with the core knowledge and competencies needed for college and the workplace. Our ultimate goal is to enable students to gain the skills to be successful in life and the commitment to make a difference in their families, their neighborhoods and the world.

Our Vision

Creating access to and participation in life-changing experiences in faith, academics, professional work, service and personal growth that help Detroit’s youth realize a lifetime of success on their journey to, through and beyond college.

God, grant us the grace to dream wildly, act boldly, and love generously. Teach us goodness, discipline, and knowledge that we may grow in love, faith, and courage. Empower us to take the gifts you have given us out into the world in service to all for your greater glory. Immaculate Heart of Mary, intercede for us. Cristo Rey, hear our prayer. Amen.

Mission Effectiveness Standards

The Mission Effectiveness Standards articulate the shared mission and identity of the Cristo Rey Network of schools. Taken as a whole, these Standards establish the intent to which schools agree to operate, and by which they can fulfill their mission and empower students to succeed in college and life as productive, faith-filled individuals.

A Cristo Rey School:

Is explicitly Catholic in mission and enjoys Church approval.
Serves only students with limited economic resources and is open to students of various faiths and cultures.
Is family centered and plays an active role in the local community.
Prepares all students to enter and graduate from college.
Requires participation by all students in the Corporate Work Study Program.

Integrates the learning present in its work program, classroom and extracurricular experiences.
Has effective administrative and board structures, and complies with applicable state and federal laws.
Is financially sound.
Supports all students in accessing and persisting through colleges that match their achievements, needs and ambitions.
Is an active participant in the Cristo Rey Network.

Core Educational Beliefs

The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Congregation of St. Basil foster excellence in education by urging commitment to these deeply held beliefs:

Gospel Values

We measure personal success in life through the ability to make decisions in the light of Gospel values and global realities.

Justice

We serve God, one another and our greater community and uphold human dignity when we act on behalf of justice.

Diversity

We appreciate and respect the unique qualities each individual contributes as we share a commitment to the liberating mission of Jesus, through a special focus on those who are poor, abandoned or oppressed.

Community

We develop a Christian community that nourishes a positive learning atmosphere marked by a profound respect for each human being and an acceptance of all persons.

Integrated Learning

We prepare students for advanced achievements in college by embracing a holistic educational process that provides a well-rounded education and integrates an array of opportunities, including the fine arts, an extensive technology program, and wellness of body, mind and spirit.

Right Relationships

We share a commitment to eradicating the causes of oppression, marginalization and injustice through an inclusive perspective that invites all to demonstrate their full human dignity.

Care for Creation

We work to develop an ecological consciousness that challenges all to recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all Creation and nurtures relationships that protect our common home.

Statement in Support of an Inclusive Community at Detroit Cristo Rey

The Basilian Fathers and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary affirm the efforts of Detroit Cristo Rey to be a welcoming and diverse community. We encourage and support opportunities to learn, teach and discuss the challenges surrounding race, sexual orientation, gender identity and ethnicity, as we demonstrate a caring response and examine the complex issues within the context of Detroit Cristo Rey as a Catholic secondary school. In the finest tradition of Catholic outreach, we welcome students of all faiths. The ultimate goal of a Detroit Cristo Rey education is to form students in Gospel values and to enable students to gain the skills to be successful in life with a commitment to make a difference in their families, their neighborhoods and the world.

Updated November 2023

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

Detroit Cristo Rey High School, recognizing the dignity of each human being, collaborates with our community and partners to foster an education that assists in the alleviation of poverty, the promotion of justice, and the empowerment of the individual. Rooted in Catholic values, our work is our hopeful response to the historic and systemic inequity that limits the full and unhindered realization of the human potential inherent in all communities.

Detroit Cristo Rey commits to:

Seeking, embracing, and celebrating diversity at all levels by building a team that is reflective of the communities we serve
Continuously improving our organizational health by practicing policy and procedures that provide an equitable, engaging and rewarding experience for all staff members
Welcoming varied religious expressions and non-expressions as valuable to our community

We live out our commitments by recognizing our own implicit and explicit biases, creating structures for open dialogue and opportunities for growth, and collectively assessing our organizational progress.