By Addy Barber – Staff Reporter 

With the end of the school year approaching, Advocate Staff Reporter Addy Barber interviewed Law Principal Mr. Darcy to reflect on the 2023-2024 school year. 

Addy Barber: What are some of your favorite memories from this year?

Mr. Darcy: Some of my favorite memories are all the events we had including; athletic events, Powder Puff, games, musical performances and of course prom and post prom that was just held. 

AB: What are your goals for next year?

MD: My goals have never changed. Each year my goal is to work with all stakeholders groups so that ultimately every student in our school feels valued, heard and respected at all times. They know that we are here for them and will challenge them to be the best version of themselves every day. 

AB: How was this school year compared to last year?

MD:  In my opinion, this year has run pretty smoothly (knock on wood). We were able to provide a high quality education, social/emotional support, and fun activities for all students. 

AB: What is your advice to the incoming Class of 2028?

MD: My advice to the incoming class is to get involved in something! We have so many clubs, sports, and other activities here at JLHS. Students who are more connected to their school community have higher levels of success during and after their high school years. 

AB: What is your advice to the graduating Class of 2024?

MD: My advice is to continue to be kind to others and give your time to others that deserve it. The class of 2024 is an incredibly kind class who comes to school each day with a smile and helps each other when needed. Continue those efforts when you leave us on June 11th. 

AB: What was your biggest victory and/or challenge this year?

MD: I think the biggest challenge was implementation of the e-hall pass system. There were several students (and staff) who had a lot of questions about how the system would work. We now have data that shows the system has worked and it has become a norm here at Law that everyone uses. When you make a change like that in November of a school year, it can be challenging, but it was totally worth it and has helped our school get better. 

AB: Any last messages to the Class of 2024?

MD: As I get older, I’ve been focusing on the concept of time. Time is something that you have to give to people and yourself. It’s something that is not renewable, so you shouldn’t waste it on people or things that don’t have a positive impact on your life or the lives of others. We also never know when our time is up. So, use your time wisely and share it with the people you love. 

AB: What changes are you looking forward to implementing next year?

MD: This will depend on a lot of what students and staff want for next year. One thing we’ve been discussing is how to expand and improve the support center and a concept of credit recovery for students that fall behind. This is something I’m very passionate about and hope we can make some changes for next year and beyond. 

AB: What was your favorite part of this school year?

MD: This is tough to answer because there are so many. The one that I’m thinking about the most right now is the Post Prom because it just happened this past weekend. It was an evening when parents/guardians, students and staff all came together to celebrate each other as a community. The decorations were beautiful, kids had a lot of fun and there were some great raffle prizes as well!

AB: What are your summer plans?

MD: As a Principal, I do work for a few weeks over the summer prepping the building for the fall. When I’m not here, I’ll be spending two weeks in Narragansett with my family. We have gone there for the past 11 years and purchased a summer beach house two years ago. It’s something my family looks forward to each year. My girls love it there! My wife and I are going to Jamaica with two other couples on our street in late July. We are looking forward to that trip as well. We spent our Honeymoon at the same resort and we are looking forward to going back again this summer.