With 37 years of experience in education, William Loughran Jr. has stepped into a “great opportunity” to serve as acting principal at WHS. Loughran is filling in for former Acting Principal and current Supervisor of Science Tom Paterson.
To say Loughran is experienced is an understatement. He began his teaching career at Holmdel High School as an English teacher and cross-country and track coach. He was then an administrator for the Holmdel School District for 18 years. He served as an assistant principal for 3 years, a high school principal for 10 years and a middle school principal for the last 5 years.
Even with his credentials, Loughran recognizes the “learning curve” ahead of him. “Westfield enjoys a tremendous reputation around the state,” he said. “When I was made aware of the opportunity to come here, I jumped at it.”
Loughran wants students to have a similar positive high school experience to his. His high school experience was one of the influential factors that led him to become a teacher. “I had great role models. I saw what high school could be, and what doors it could open,” Loughran said.
Senior Jaslene Raphael said, “I am very excited to see what he will bring to WHS for the rest of the school year.” Raphael is one of numerous WHS students who Loughran previously taught, as he covered English Teacher Victoria Charlemagne’s maternity leave position last spring. “He was very helpful to both myself and our American Studies class last year, so I am looking forward to seeing what he will do outside of the classroom,” Raphael said.
Above all, Loughran’s main goal is to always put the students first. “The one universal that I always try to lean on is what’s best for students,” he said. Raphael echoed this: “He’s passionate, no doubt. You could tell he cared about our class and our performance.”
The SGA vice-president, senior James Furrer, is one of many students looking forward to working with Loughran. “Although it is difficult to change between principals, I am interested in seeing how he will embrace this change,” Furrer said.
While in his new role, Loughran wants to make a long-lasting impact that students will not forget. He urges students to reach out and contact him for any reason. “I’m transparent. I will talk to anybody and hear them out about anything,” he said. “You can always know I’m here.”