August 2022
EHSA President’s Message:
Who I Met on My Amazing Alumni Journey
More fantastic Alumni and Supporters I’ve met on my Alumni Journey. From left: EHSA Board Chair Greg Hayes, ’67; Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, ’44; EHS supporter Robert Kraft, the son of an English High alumnus; and EHSA President & CEO, Mike Thomas ’67. Gathering at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ron Burton Training Village in Hubbardston, MA. Ron Burton, a former member of the NFL’s New England Patriots, was a football coach at English High School. His Ron Burton Training Village has a mission to train challenged youth to achieve their purpose through education, leadership, physical wellness, social advancement and spiritual growth.
Last month I mentioned some of our illustrious alumni who will be attending our 200th Gala. The list continues to grow and I can hardly wait for the big day.
This month I’d like to talk with you about my alumni journey of the past few years. The Journey began some four years ago. In July, 2018, the English High School Association Board spearheaded by John Talbot and Allan Kiser, both Co-Chairs of our 200th Celebration stated very clearly,
We need to be doing more for our school, our alumni and to mark our 200th Anniversary as the first public high school in the U.S.
And so began an Amazing Journey…
- Setting up our alumni office independent of Jamaica Plain, and English.
- A ‘start-up’ business plan crafted and dove in.
- No staff, no phones, some desks, one of me and lots of trepidation.
- We started with 474 emails, now we have over 4000; started with 4000 names/addresses, now, we have 9000.
Did I tell you this is the best job I’ve ever had? One at which I’ve worked the hardest in my career.
But the most interesting and fulfilling part was yet to come….meeting the incredible English High Alumni and supporters that I had the pleasure of meeting and working with over the past four years. Here’s a partial list and if you’re not here, call me, I’d love to talk about you and what you can do to support your Alma Mater’s 200th Anniversary. Where possible, I’ve included a link to profiles on our EHSA website that have been done on some of these alumni
George Mavridis (son of a circa 1927 alumnus) came to us in April of 2018 with thoughts of giving back ‘somewhere’ to help language-struggling students, like his dad, Emmanuel. George chose English because he remembers his dad struggling with multiple languages at home. George endowed the Director’s position of the Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center for four years plus, with a five-year pledge of $200,000! Read more about this generous man and his commitment to young English High School students here.
Herb Chambers ’59 As he says, ‘I’m just a Dorchester kid who made good’. Yes, really good! I’ve had pleasure of meeting with Herb several times over the years, he has been magnanimous to English Alumni and is a sponsor of our 200th Anniversary Gala.
Robert Kraft Yes, the RKK of Patriot’s fame. Robert’s father, Harry Kraft, went to English High, a 1927 alumnus. Robert’s been magnanimous many times for English High, scholarships, sponsorships and outright football equipment grants.
Robert Prince’67 A former classmate of mine. I did not know Bob at English. He says he was a quiet student but he has grown (some 6 inches in college) into an amazing man: General Manager of MBTA from 1997- 2001; English High School Association Board member, Transportation award winner of too many to list. Best thing, he’s one of the finest human beings I’ve ever met. Read more about Bob here.
Simon Gottlieb ’60 Sy runs Stanhope Garages. Most of us in Boston have used his garages. Sy has been super-generous especially in the early years when we were building this alumni Acela. We visit Sy regularly, he’s a 200th Anniversary Gala sponsor and overall alumni supporter.
Dan Eramian ’66 Dan has been a bit of an ombudsman but he’s my vote for MVP, major strategist, and overall communications expert. His media savvy from Government to the Biotech sector perfectly positions his perspective on all our efforts.
Frank Bellotti ’42 Many do not know of Frank’s contributions as Attorney General of Massachusetts and as Vice-Chairman of Arbella Insurance. Frank has guided many of English alumni careers in the legal world. Those ‘legal beagles’ know his mentoring influence is grossly underestimated. He’s also the last living U.S. Navy Raider in New England. Don’t mess with Frank. He still lifts weights each day in his office at age 98!
Migdalia Nalls ’97 This former class president excelled on the Mock Trial Debate Team at English High and became a dynamo in the legal profession, first at Boston’s District Attorney’s office, then the Department of Justice and now at the Youth Advocacy Division for the State of Massachusetts. Migdalia is Co-Chair of our 200th Anniversary Gala event. Read more about Migdalia here
Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse II ’44 Most of what needs to be said of this Tuskegee Airman has been said. Woody has endured more bias and rebounded with a legal career for the ages. Still going like the Energizer Bunny, he is celebrated all over our country. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Woody in person, you’ll see him at the 200th Gala. Don’t miss your chance. Read more about Woody here.
Joseph Malone III Is the name familiar? Yes, this is our Headmaster’s grandson. He is now an epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control who fought African Ebola disease, he walked into my office one day and left two hours later. Seems he spent his BU Medical school days ‘boarding’ with grampa Joe Malone, Sr. in West Roxbury. This meant he went to many English games of all sorts, especially at The Stadium. He’s been Blue & Blue indoctrinated to this day and is a big supporter.
Dr. Frank Cullen ‘68 Do we know of any other alumnus who has personally met the Queen of Sweden? Francis Cullen has been recognized for dedication of criminal rehabilitation research and policy reform in 2021 won the Stockholm Prize in Criminology, amazing!
David Cohen ’59 ‘Shadow Warrior’ as one writer called him. Rose in the CIA to Deputy Director of Operations and later led New York City’s anti-terrorist effort after 9/11. He said, “English High and its people gave me a broader perspective of the world around me. It helped me prepare for the complexities of life in terms of people and how to deal with issues.” More about David here
John Goglia ’62 A former member of the National Transportation Safety Board; two-term Clinton appointee, rose from a mechanic, went on to win the 2007 Joe Chase Safety Award and subsequently had Time Out for Safety Award re-named the John Goglia Time Out for Safety Award.
Rashid Dilworth Silvera ’66 The second African American model to appear in Ralph Lauren print ads, was only the fourth and last African American to appear on cover of GQ. Today he’s a retired Scarsdale (NY) High School teacher. Read more about Rashid here.
Michael Kalafatas ’61 Accomplish writer (3 books titles) and former Director of Admissions for Brandies University for 25 years, stalwart EHSA supporter.
Allan Kiser ’82 Vice President and Compliance Officer, at Fidelity Investments; seems to know everyone in the philanthropy world in Boston, his leadership unequaled. More about Allan here
Thomas Connors ’68 Retired Norfolk County Superior Court Judge, English High School guest lecturer in the Pathways Programs, EHSA Board Director and overall great strategic thinker. Thomas is a loyal EHSA supporter. Read more about Thomas here.
Whew! I got tired of writing but wait until next month and I’ll share more. Or better yet, come talk to me at our 200th Anniversary Gala on October 1st. I’d love to hear your story.
As always, Thank You for your loyal support to English High. I close with one question. . .
