Leaders with “Blue and Blue” in their veins
Past English High Heads Share A Combined 100 Years of Insight, Memories and Advice
Part 1 of 2
English High Heads as seen in the EHS yearbook during their tenures. From left: Sid Smith 1984-92; Jose Duarte 2000-09; Ligia Noriega-Murphy 2012-17.
During English High’s Bicentennial Celebration, we pause to reflect on the dedicated educators who worked tirelessly on behalf our students, English High School and the community at large.
We caught up with three past EHS Heads: Sid Smith, who served from 1984 to 1992 and is now retired, Ligia Noriega-Murphy, who served from 2012 to 2017 and is now Superintendent of the Malden (Mass.) Public Schools; and Jose Duarte, Head from 2000 to 2009, still working as a principal.
“No matter where you go or what you do, go with pride, courage, respect and determination. You can and shall prevail.” — Sid Smith shown here with his family.
What are you doing now?
Sid: I officially retired in 2011 but I still coach principals and teachers in struggling schools in a number of cities. My wife and I split our time between homes in Boston (where most of our kids and grandkids reside) and Savannah, Georgia, where we also own a home.
Ligia: I am now Superintendent of the Malden Public Schools. I love my new job and I have great, happy memories of our English High. When I retire, I hope to travel the world.
Jose: I’m still actively working as a principal, looking forward to retiring in the near future. It is still a joy and a pleasure to get up and go to school to work with young people every day.
Please share one of your fondest EHS memories.
Sid: My favorite memories center on the tough, struggling kids and the committed teachers who worked hard to improve their lives. One particular memory is of a very tough, sullen, angry kid — a gang member. He couldn’t pass our graduation writing requirement. He failed three times and shared his rage with me. When he finally did pass, he grabbed me and dragged me to an abandoned back stairwell. A school police officer started to follow, but I waved him off. When we got to the stairwell, out of sight of anyone, the kid reached into his coat, pulled out his ‘Position Paper,’ showed me the passing score, gave me a big hug, and told me, “I didn’t think I could ever do this,” and took off without allowing me to say a single word. This is what high expectations and wonderful kids are all about.
“Go to school and do your very best because you care about yourself. Learn, so you can empower yourselves to change the world.” – Ligia Noriega-Murphy
Ligia: One of my most fun achievements was the establishment of our marching band. Our students made lots of noise during football games where even people from the other team started to dance when our students played! The marching band became so popular that it was highly solicited by BPS central office to participate in different venues. I truly enjoyed those football games.
Jose: I truly enjoyed visiting classes to observe teachers and students in action, attending sporting and many extra-curricular events to watch our students. I particularly remember the National Honor Society induction ceremonies, orientation for incoming freshmen, proms, Military Balls, and especially graduations where we celebrated the student accomplishments.
“Try your very best, enjoy the time in high school, make connections for the future, and try different things to discover your passion. Success is yours to be had.” — Jose Duarte
What advice would you give young teachers?
Sid: Love your kids, your colleagues, and your craft. You are truly doing God’s work, though you may never receive credit for that. Know that you are appreciated and admired in any case.
Ligia: Love your students, build healthy relationships and educate them. Never feel sorry for students, provide them with the best education possible so they can be prepared for anything.
Jose: Understand and embrace the awesome responsibility you have before you every day, perfect your teaching practice, and remember that relationship building is the key to success.
What advice would you give today’s high school students?
Sid: No matter where you go or what you do, go with pride, courage, respect and determination. You can and shall prevail.
Ligia: Go to school — not because you have to or because your parents make you go to school – Go to school and do your very best because you care about yourself. Learn, so you can empower yourselves to change the world.
Jose: Try your very best, enjoy the time in high school, make connections for the future, and try different things to discover your passion. Success is yours to be had.
