As familiar faces stroll through the Owowcow door for the senior class fundraiser, they are greeted by a warm smile and optimism. Abram Hughes banters with students over varying ice cream flavors as he diligently serves customers. When more students shuffle in, he thanks everyone by name for stopping by and supporting the Pennridge Class of 2025, all while keeping a keen eye on how to scoop an ice cream cone correctly. Hughes ties a bright red apron around his principal attire, his uniform for the next four hours of his volunteer time. For many students, Hughes is more than a principal; he is a role model. He displays hard work through active community service and constantly builds up the students around him, truly shaping them into their best selves.
The current senior class marks the first class Abram Hughes has followed to graduation. Before becoming the Pennridge Class of 2025 principal, Hughes worked for various schools, Souderton Area High School and Indian Valley Middle School. Becoming a house principal, though, allowed Hughes to take on a much larger role for his students, contributing to the community close by with other students.
Macey Najarian, executive council Class of 2025 president, has worked alongside Hughes on varying fundraisers. As someone who has observed Hughes and his determination to his students, Najarian was able to share a few of her personal experiences. “ Mr. Hughes has played an extremely influential role in the success of our class fundraising efforts, and also a major reason that we have been able to do things no class has ever done before.” Unlike classes prior, the Class of 2025 has been afforded the opportunity to go to Disney for their senior class trip. “Mr. Hughes is the main reason that our class gets to go to Disney for our senior year; he really got the whole thing started,” stated Macey Najarian. Through reaching out to students, getting census information of interest, and pushing to get the trip approved, Hughes was able to make Pennridge history. Yet, his effort to make his students have a memorable high school experience is more than Disney World. It is the way he makes all students feel appreciated and that their time in school is meaningful.
Fundraisers are a large part of Abram Hughes’s time as he certainly does his best to attend every event possible. When asked why he is very active and how it makes a difference, he states, “It certainly makes a difference. I am used to seeing them [Cordie, Fran, and Erica] in the classroom. Now, I get to see them as humans and it makes me even more proud. The fundraisers allow me to get the chance to build valuable relationships outside of school.” And his efforts are neither lost on the students nor Pennridge as a whole. Most recently, Hughes has taken the time to become a “celebrity” scooper at a dine and donate fundraiser. His presence motivates students to come and support the Class of 2025 and in turn, allows them to raise money for prom, senior trips, and other class events. His hospitable welcome and jovial interactions make no student feel forgotten.
In a class of approximately 500 students, it is understandable that one principal could not possibly remember every name, yet this is not the mindset of Abram Hughes. As explained by Macey Najarian, “I would say most, if not every student in the Class of 2025 loves Mr. Hughes. Honestly, I am pretty sure he knows our entire class’s names and if he doesn’t he will learn it when he meets you,” and, “Every morning Mr. Hughes stands outside of the athletic entrance and greets the students getting out of their cars. Students appreciate this and it is a great start to their day.” To Hughes, no student goes unnoticed, and every person brings a valuable presence to Pennridge.
One of the most important leadership roles. Ambram Hughes takes on Link Crew. Link Crew is a program implemented to help incoming freshmen transition into high school. It can help them adjust to new scheduling, find their way around the school, and simply have juniors or seniors to rely on for various needs. Abram Hughes has gone beyond the senior house principal and has personally introduced himself to the Class of 2028 freshmen. Hughes states, “This past summer we took a van out with kids and visited the freshmen and we plan to do the same thing with the Class of ‘29.” This initiative allowed any anxiety for the incoming year to dissipate as students no longer felt lost in a sea of hundreds of kids but rather felt a sense of purpose. Students no longer entered high school with little to no idea what to expect, as Hughes was a friendly face to always count on. For this year, Link Crew plans to continue making students feel welcome, with Hughes right by their side.
Without a doubt, Abram Hughes is what a principal should be. Breaking the stereotype of a strict, no-nonsense man, Hughes encourages students to reach their full potential, showing support every step of the way. He is not just along for the ride of High school but rather there to see each student become successful beyond Pennridge. Through his leadership, community service, and concern for others, Abram Hughes has left a legacy and model for all those who surround him.
