President’s Message – February 2024

Helping Others Can Drive Away Those Winter Blues

In the middle of winter some folks have trouble coping with cold New England weather, less interesting TV shows to view so, we need a break. Something to change our seasonal routines. I find myself procrastinating with certain chores just because. But I keep coming back to the one thing which makes me feel good – helping others.

Whether it’s writing a greeting card, providing a ride or bringing a neighbor’s newspaper to their door, it feels good to know I’ve helped make someone’s life easier. Ever think of providing a meal for an elderly couple who have medical issues and can’t get out? Just holding a door open for someone is a nice gesture. To all English High alums remember the commonality of purpose (graduating?) when we were students in the same building aspiring to college, careers or going off to work, it may be comforting to think back to the teacher, coach or classmate who helped get you through your day.

February is Black History month and a time to reflect on what we can do today to help each other out. In our domain (17,000 alumni), we encompass alums from all walks of life. We are military generals, city clerks, judicial stalwarts, journalists, etc. You name it, we have an alum somewhere who’s accomplished amazing things through learned English High grit and determination, service to mankind and helping your fellow man.

Here at EHSA, every week we discover untold stories about amazing English High alumni. In this month’s newsletter we read about Carlton Smith ’72 who starred for powerhouse English High basketball teams in the 1970’s. He overcame birth-related hearing issues to excel.  This month we also profile, Greg Hayes ’67, Chair of our Association, classmate, former teammate and EHSA  Board-mate.

Our Alumni Newsletter is an important vehicle that keeps our Alumni community in touch with each other and with our Association.  Sharing these inspiring, and sometimes little-known stories, as well as urging alumni to support our mission through scholarships of any size and other gifts is important too. Simply connecting can make an impact, if only on one person.

Feedback we receive from alumni says you are looking for current student stories about our high school. Alumni want to know ‘how is the school doing?’  In this newsletter we have a fantastic story about Andreina Ferreira, the new head of English High’s outstanding Career Pathways program  that helps students to become leaders in careers and in college.  EHSA is a supporter of this program providing volunteer lecturers (contact me if you’d like to get involved) and other needed essentials such the customized lab scrubs provided by John Talbot ’68.

How can you help the school and our Association? Get involved! Don’t let this month pass without updating your Alumni Profile.  Send us your info so we can, in turn, send you, our newsletters. It’s important to stay abreast of alumni happenings, like our February 22^nd Alumni Breakfast at the Newton Marriott, or mini-reunions, or the White Stadium Renovation conversation so they don’t pass you by.

Whatever you do this month, take a step back and ask what have you done for English High School, EHSA, or your neighbor recently? With global alignments seemingly in disarray, I keep coming back to taking care of one another. It helps to help. My hope is you will feel good to help the English High School Association help today’s students at “our school.”

Reach out to someone today! Doing something for your EHSA would be a good way to start!