Sean Hughes started at LM one year after I did. He was a Social Studies teacher and I taught Chemistry, so we did not have a great deal of contact with one another at that time. However, when Sean became Principal, I met with him on a regular basis. I was the co-chair of the Lower Merion Senate, a committee established to discuss issues raised by staff members and to present those issues to the administration. So, once a month, Sean and I would sit down and take a few minutes to talk about staff concerns. During one of those meetings, Sean offered me some advice that I carry with me to this day. He told me that while he was interested in hearing the issues raised at the Senate meetings, he was more interested in possible solutions to the problems. Complain all you want, but present an answer to the issue. I have since used that approach with my students and my children.
I was always impressed with Sean’s enthusiasm for new ideas. If he thought that a new teaching concept would be good for the students, he supported it all the way. When the Chemistry department decided to conduct a Halloween demonstration day, Sean made sure that everyone knew about it. On my last Halloween in October of 2018, every administrator from both the high school and Central Administration was in attendance at some point during the day, including the Superintendent and a photographer. Sean wanted administration to see what was going on in his school.
Sean frequently used expressions such as “Be kind” and “Character Counts,” but these were not just sayings that he randomly offered to the staff and students. Sean lived that way. His kindness and energy were infectious. He always had something nice to say.
Although I am no longer a member of the LM staff, I have very fond memories of my time spent there. I like to stop by the school every now and then. I used to visit with Sean for a couple of minutes, and he always made time for me. It will be very difficult to walk into his office and not be greeted by his warm smile, his enthusiasm, and his interest in what I am doing now that I am retired.
LM has lost a wonderful administrator and a great friend. He will be missed.
