Press Release

English High Joins Mayor Walsh’s Celebration of English’s Alumnus, Leonard Nimoy ’48, Day

BOSTON, March 23, 2021 — Michael Thomas, President and CEO of the English High School Association (EHSA) of Boston today thanks Mayor Marty Walsh’s Office for designating March 26th as Leonard Nimoy Day in Boston.
“We are honored to join Mayor Walsh and the city of Boston in celebrating Leonard Nimoy Day in what would have been his 90th birthday”, said Thomas
Leonard Nimoy got a taste of acting at English High as a member of Drama and Discussion clubs, and Class Radio Play. He was also a member of the Switchboard Boys in 1948.

“English High school has a long list of distinguished alumni,” Thomas stated, “but just as important, the school has always been an educational beacon of hope and a stepping-stone for the working-class population in the city.” A son of a barber from the West End, Mr. Nimoy is a case in point. With his grandfather’s seed money in hand, he followed his heart and grandfather’s encouragement to try acting in New York.

The English High School is the oldest public high school in America and was established in 1821. A major 200th Anniversary Event is planned for the fall of 2021. “Former Mayor Walsh’s support of English High School and of public-school education in Boston is a vital ladder to success for our inner city’s students,” Thomas stated.
Famous English High School alumni include: J.P. Morgan, Charles Hayden, global financiers; Leonard Nimoy, Dr. Spock from Star Trek, Lt.: Col. Enoch Woodhouse II, Tuskegee Airman; Robert Prince, former GM of MBTA; Bruce Bolling, Boston City Councilor, Reggie Bird, NBA Player; Herb Chambers, auto magnate: Jordan Knight, New Kids On The Block fame; Walter Prince, One of 100 most influential lawyers of color in Boston; Ken Clark, NFL Veteran; Andrew Boch, founder of Boch Motors; Harry Kraft, father of Robert Kraft; Gen. Mathew Ridgeway, Supreme Allied Commander Europe; Gen. Paul X Kelly, U. S. Marine Commandant; Louis Sullivan, Father of Skyscrapers; and Samuel Pierpont Langley, American aviation pioneer.

About the English High School Association
The English High School Association (EHSA) was formed in 1853 to honor the history, pride and traditions of the English High School by continuing a legacy that supports and inspires students in their educational pursuits and celebrates distinguished alumni. Then as in now the EHSA is committed to providing the English High students of today with quality academic instruction and college scholarship aid. The English High School, America’s first public high school was founded January 15, 1821 by the School Committee at a town meeting held in Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall. In its nearly 200 years the school has produced alumni who have succeeded on international, national and local stages. The EHSA plans a 200th Anniversary celebration in 2021. For more information on EHSA, its leading alumni, and 200th Anniversary event please visit: https://www.englishhighalumni.org/ or call Mike Thomas, EHSA, 857-547-1391