By Josh Wilson, Jose Marquez-Diaz, and Eugene Barnes Marlene Blocker will no longer be the principal at East High School. After 8 years leading East as a principal, she will be in a new role as a superintendent. Reflecting on her time at East she said, “The biggest accomplishments we've made here would be raising the graduation rates, reducing the violence, and increasing a sense of community and happiness.” When Ms. Blocker asked why she didn’t retire, she said she did not want to leave East at the same time as Dr. Nelms. Next year, Ms. Blocker said, “I would like to continue to find more ways for student voices to be heard and for us to have more activities that bring kids into school and be interested in truly getting an education and being part of the school community.” Ms. Blocker will always have a lasting impact on East High School. Senior Ayden Hodge, a student here for the past six years, said that “Ms. Blocker has helped me learn to take responsibility and accountability for my actions.” Another student Sage Williams, here for the past four years, said “Ms. Blocker was very strict because she didn't want to see us fail which also made her very compassionate.” Ms. Blocker will always be a part of East High School and has helped many students become better people and we will always be grateful for her. After 8 years of being principal, Ms. Blockers is well-liked and respected among staff. Spanish teacher Mrs. Tisa offered her opinion of Blocker, saying "She was straightforward, fair, and factual. She did not play favorites and listened to everyone.” Everyone I've talked to so far has had nothing but good things to say about her. Journalism teacher Ms. Conroy also had positive comments. She says, “Blocker was the best principal I ever worked for. I was actually a little intimidated by her because she was so no-nonsense. But also very fair and empathetic.” Ms. Blocker was a key part of East High's turnaround and her presence in the halls will be missed by both students and staff. We wish her luck in her new position, but as new superintendent, hopefully she won’t be too far away.
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