Nugent leaves legacy as retirement looms
Longtime principal set to retire in August after 36 years in education.
Spring-Ford High School Principal Dr. Patrick Nugent, center, poses with students at graduation this spring. Nugent will be retiring as principal August 7. Nugent has worked in the district the past 36 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and as principal of the high school the past 18 years.
July 8, 2020
Countless legacies have been forged at Spring-Ford over the years, but it would be difficult to find many more impactful ones than that of Dr. Patrick Nugent.
Nugent has been an active member of the Spring-Ford community the last 50 years as a student, teacher, coach, assistant principal, and high school principal.
Nugent’s time with Spring-Ford will come to a close when he retires less than a month from now August 7.
“After spending over 50 years as a part of Spring-Ford, both as a student and employee, I bid farewell,” said Nugent, who has been high school principal the past 18 years. “I have enjoyed my time as a Ram and will always bleed Blue and Gold.”
After spending over 50 years as a part of Spring-Ford, both as a student and employee, I bid farewell. I have enjoyed my time as a Ram and will always bleed Blue and Gold.
— Dr. Patrick Nugent, Spring-Ford High School Principal
Nugent’s time with the district began in 1967, when he was enrolled as a kindergarten student at Spring-Ford. After 12 years attending school within the district, Nugent graduated in 1980 and chose to further his education at Slippery Rock University.
After graduation, Nugent returned to Spring-Ford in 1984 as a health and physical education instructor as well as a sports coach for both the football and wrestling teams. Nugent’s wrestling teams won nine league championships and he was recognized as Coach of the Year seven times.
Nugent then transitioned from teaching to administration, becoming an assistant principal. For the last 18 years, he has acted as head principal and led the high school with passion and direction.
The high school has consistently ranked as one of the best in the area during Nugent’s tenure. Nugent made several great changes to the school, including increased participation in Advanced Placement, expanded Dual Enrollment opportunities, as well as increased virtual courses. In addition to academic improvements, Nugent has overseen several construction projects to better accommodate the growing number of students within the Spring-Ford community, making the high school welcoming to all.
After his retirement, Nugent plans to move south to enjoy warm weather outdoors and spend more time visiting family.
Though he may be leaving the area, the Spring-Ford community will be on his mind.
“Best of luck to all our students,” Nugent said. “Remember, always do your best and never stop dreaming! We are Spring-Ford — Rams, Rams, Rams!”
