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

Diane Sweeney

He taught us to be kind, have empathy, and care about our work, to believe in the goodness and the promise of each person.
Diane+Sweeney

In my adult life, I have received a little-recognized gift among my friends and family. As I have grown weary with stories of office politics and quests for money and power, of laying bare one’s ego in a relentless climate, I have been blessed with having a principal with a profound sense of humility and who was a proud public servant, whose purpose was simply to recognize and nurture and celebrate humanity. Every day when I came to LM, I was reminded that our job was all about the kids, and about each kid. We were exhorted to think creatively, to teach better, to reach deeper. Mr. Hughes created an atmosphere that affected the faculty and staff and resonated throughout the student body: he taught us to be kind, have empathy, and care about our work, to believe in the goodness and the promise of each person. LM is a better and different school than when I started, and we are all better and different teachers. It is most unfortunate that Mr. Hughes also taught us that we may not have the opportunity of more time; we may only count on the present. I am sure that he would tell us to make this day, this moment, count. Care about the quality of your work. Be kind. Cherish the person in front of you. Love.

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