Talking with students at Burrell High School about their new principal, Mr. John Boylan, one characteristic becomes most prominent. He is an educator who makes relationships a priority. He believes in getting to know students and staff to lay a solid foundation for success. He is zealous about setting high standards for himself as well for the students.

Upon graduating from University of Scranton, he earned his master’s degree in secondary guidance, and then attended the University of Pittsburgh for his certification in elementary guidance, as well as his principal’s certification. He is currently enrolled in the doctorate program at Pitt.

Mr. Boylan comes from a family of educators. “My mom was a school counselor, and my father taught as a university professor of psychology. My grandparents were teachers, and even my sister is a teacher working toward being an administrator,” he shares. Now in his tenth year as an educator, he says he’d like to teach at a college someday.

To describe Mr. Boylan, students speak nothing but words of praise and admiration. Nadine Misak remarks, “He’s very friendly and easy to talk to. When I went to him with a problem this year, he was very open and willing to help.” Drew Myers comments, “He treats all groups equally. He does a great job at making each individual kid feel like we matter.”

Though he became acquainted with many students serving as assistant principal at Burrell Middle School for the last four years, Mr. Boylan still makes a daily effort to meet each member of the school. Seeing him in the halls to greet the kids has profoundly impacted the student body. Each student interviewed mentioned the fact that Mr. Boylan waves to him in the halls and calls him or her by name.

Drew relates, “I like that he embraces all the facets of student life and activities. Every morning, he stands in the front hall to wave to each person.” Another student, Nicolette Carlisle, adds, “He’s very welcoming and encouraging to everyone. When I’ve passed him in the hall, he’s given me high fives.”

Mr. Boylan devotes himself to being supportive to students, families, and teachers. When there is a problem, he strives to be empathetic and put himself in the other person’s position. He notes, “Being fair is not always being equal. I take each case independently.”

When not at school, Mr. Boylan enjoys spending time with his wife, Lisa, and his 19 month old son, Luke. He also takes time to share their crazy dog, Newman, with the elderly patients at the nursing home where his wife works as a physical therapist. He attends the Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights.

Providing vision for students and teachers comes naturally to Mr. Boylan. He is proud of the student body for not only athletic achievement, but also for the academic success. In addition, he mentions what a thrill he feels “watching teachers grow professionally and showing constant improvement.” Through the Education Leadership Initiative, a program at the school, he encourages teachers to assume leadership positions no matter what their level of teaching.

By far the best part of his day is the interaction with students. “Watching our students succeed in the classroom and on athletic fields is extremely rewarding,” he says exuberantly. The students, in turn, are thrilled to have such a personable principal. His prodding toward academic excellence is well received, because of the relationship they have with one another.

The students note with amazement that he waits in the parking lot each day to wave goodbye. Drew Myers sums up his fellow classmates’ sentiment by saying, “I really, really like him. He’s a great principal.”