John Green Addresses Community on Founders Day

Former Head of School John Green delivered a heartfelt reflection on legacy during the 129th Founders Day at Ayer Memorial Chapel on February 12.

Founders Day, initiated in 1895 to commemorate Thomas B. Peddie’s pivotal intervention that saved the school from bankruptcy two decades earlier, is a tribute to the exceptional leaders who have guided Peddie with loyalty, integrity and vision. Held annually in February to coincide with Peddie’s birthday, the event serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring values upheld by the school’s past leaders.

As the 15th Head of School, Green influenced Peddie profoundly. His retirement in 2013 marked the culmination of 12 years of devoted service, during which his leadership propelled the school forward in myriad ways.

During the ceremony, math teacher Tim Corica, who worked closely with Green as the dean of faculty in 2001, praised his “selfless caretaking of students, faculty and the institution of Peddie.” Corica recounted Green’s remarkable leadership during the tumultuous aftermath of 9/11, which he described as “the most unsettling and terrifying moment in the history of the school.” He characterized Green’s management style as a “masterclass in running a school.”

Green stressed the significance of recognizing the unsung heroes whose contributions have shaped the school’s legacy.

“Walk this campus, and you will see their names and expressions of their love, too, on plaques adjacent to trees, for example, on the benches on which you sit, on brick steps that connect the upper to lower campus, and even on a baseball dugout. There are countless other physical manifestations of love and legacy all across campus, inside and outside. Slow down. Take note.”

As Green concluded his remarks, he inspired a deep appreciation for Peddie’s rich history and a collective commitment to its enduring values.

“What I hope for all of you is that one day you will come to love our school as much as I do,” he said.

During his tenure as head of school, Green crafted a five-year plan for Peddie, directing substantial investments into essential facilities projects such as The Walter and Leonore Annenberg Science Center, the Caspersen History House, the Ian H. Graham ’50 Athletic Center and the Aquatic Center. Additionally, he prioritized faculty recruitment and professional development to enhance diversity and expertise.