Dr. Detrick McGriff has been working in education for over 25 years. After about a decade of teaching biology, Dr. McGriff moved into administration. He is grateful for the opportunity to have been able to touch the lives of so many students and families.
Over the years in celebration of Black History Month, NAHS has had teachers highlight Black leaders in their content areas, hosted assemblies, shared stories of Black leaders during morning announcements, and more. Dr. McGriff said,
“Black History Month is so important. It lets our students know that they are important; it reaffirms their worth, and their value.”
To celebrate Black History Month, Dr. McGriff takes time to learn about his own family history and how their lives impact his own. He thinks about
“What was my family doing during the Civil Rights Movement, and what am I doing now as a leader [here in Norristown]?... I know my role here is a part of history, especially being the first Black principal at NAHS.”
Dr. McGriff always wants to serve his students well, and be a leader for them to look up to.
One Black leader that has inspired Dr. McGriff and his leadership is Rita Pierson. He was moved by her Ted Talk entitled “Every kid needs a champion.” He shared that he will listen to it before the start of every school year to ground himself in the idea of being an advocate and being a larger voice for students. Dr. McGriff added that while the famous Black historical leaders are impactful,
“Sometimes it is really the smaller heroes that can have a rippling effect that I think is also important to recognize.”
Dr. McGriff graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then earned his Masters Degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership from Temple University. And later earned his Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. McGriff is a proud father of two grown children. He enjoys sports, fitness, traveling, and motivational speaking.