3 minute read
Farewell, Mr. Thomas
Farewell, Mr. Thomas
Principal retires after 35 years in Broward
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By Emma Parker, Editor in Chief Principal Hudson Thomas has played many roles in his 35 years at Broward County Public Schools: starting as a teacher assistant in 1988, then becoming a social studies and English as a Second Language teacher, then a principal of elementary, middle and — since 2010 — this high school.
“High school is very similar to elementary, meaning high schoolers require that same nurturing and attention as they did when they were younger but as young adults, and I think that would be my favorite (part of working at this school),” Thomas said.
Thomas spends close to 12 hours each day meeting with administrators and making himself accessible to all students, building special relationships. “I love the fact that he is approachable and always tries to get to know each and every student, even if it is just saying ‘Good Morning’ or knowing their name,” senior Aashi Chhabra said. “It’s the little things like that that make him one of the best principals I have ever had.”
In advance of AP. Principal Hudson Thomas focuses on his computer as he reads the upcoming AP testing schedule.
Photo by Emma Parker
Campaign strategy. Sophomore Jazmine Revolorio talks to Principal Hudson Thomas about upcoming junior class officer elections. Revolorio ran for Class of 2024 secretary.
Photo by Emma Parker
Although the principal, Thomas credits his faculty and staff with building a greater emphasis on the school’s two magnets, international relations and informational technology.
From adding the scientific visualization program to creating and growing the International Summit to 15 countries in 2021, Thomas said he was proud to be able to walk away and give the next principal the chance to have the school develop and grow even more.
“We, and I really emphasize the word ‘we,’ transformed both of those things (international relations and technology) from when I started to where we are today,” Thomas said.
From adding the scientific visualization program to creating and growing the International Summit to 15 countries in 2021, Thomas said he was proud to be able to walk away and give the next principal the chance to have the school develop and grow even more. Once Thomas officially retires in the fall, he plans on consulting and focusing on finishing construction of his oceanside house in Haiti.
“I hope this future principal brings new ideas that further what we already have, while keeping in mind the theme of the school and articulating our vision and prompting that within our community,” Thomas said.
He said yes! Senior Sonia Rodriguez asks Principal Hudson Thomas to sign her prom form. “I have never had an administrator (like him) that makes me feel welcomed and comfortable at school,” Rodriguez said.
Photo by Emma Parker
Dude with sign. Principal Hudson Thomas comments on sophomore Toviel James’ campaign poster for Samantha Olivera as Class of 2024 vice president.
Photo by Emma Parker
Graduating together. Principal Hudson Thomas laughs with seniors Evelyn Zamora-Bonilla and Danna Navarrete about their excitement for the last few weeks of high school.
Photo by Emma Parker
GRAPHIC BY ALISHA DUROSIER
