The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

The Merionite

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

The Merionite

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

The Merionite

A community in mourning

LM mourns the tragic loss of Sean Hughes, its principal of fourteen years.
Sean Hughes leaves a legacy at LM that will be carried on by the countless who were touched by his actions and personality. | Photo by Anika Xi ’23/Staff

Sean Hughes, LM’s principal of fourteen years, was tragically killed in a car accident on the morning of Saturday, November 13. Hughes was driving his son Nolan to a soccer game when a collision occurred between his car and another at an intersection in Camden County, New Jersey. Hughes, his son, and the other driver were all taken to local hospitals, where Hughes passed away from his injuries. He is survived by his children Nolan, Jack, and Kate, and his wife Kristi.

All district schools and activities were closed on Monday, November 15, following Hughes’s passing. Early in the afternoon, teachers held an event in the auditorium where they reflected on stories about their late principal in remembrance. Later, in front of Hughes’s office window, students held a vigil in his honor, with many stepping up to an open microphone to speak of his impact on them. Hundreds of students, teachers, alumni, and community members gathered to place flowers, candles, and other mementos in front of the window. They reflected on their time with Hughes and comforted each other. Various student organizations have since planned ways to honor their principal as the community continues to process the deeply felt loss.

Students gather to remember Mr. Hughes at a vigil on Monday, December 15, leaving tokens of appreciation. | Photo by Anika Xi ’23/Staff

A memorial service for Principal Hughes was held at LM at one p.m. on Saturday, November 20, with speeches from several of Hughes’s former colleagues, alumni, and current students, alongside performances from the choir and orchestra. The collection of stories shared offered solemn comfort to those mourning Hughes’s passing and offered deeper insight into a principal who always put his principles first. As the LM community moves on from this difficult loss, it carries with it the legacy and impacts of a man who made Lower Merion High School what it is today.

Principal Sean Hughes is honored at his memorial service, with former colleagues and students coming to speak. | Photo by Anika Xi ’23/Staff

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