Mr. James J. Obrotka was invited to be the first lay teacher on the faculty when Bergen Catholic was opened in 1955. Among Jim’s proudest accomplishments during his years at Bergen was the formation of the marching band, glee club, and the dance band. He also taught English, Music Appreciation and Spanish. Because of the fine reputation of the marching band, Bergen was invited to lead the Sixty-Ninth Regiment in the number one position in New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Bergen band retained the honorable position for five consecutive years After thirty years of service to Bergen, Jim retired in 1985.