By Tim Dolan, Lookout Advisor
Maurin O’Grady was hired in the spring of 2024, and started this summer as one of the two new Assistant Principals at Bedford High School, following the departures of Mr. Hudder and Mr. Casey. Lookout Advisor Mr. Timothy Dolan reached out to her so that she could share a bit of her personality with her new staff and students at BHS. Below is a lightly edited transcript of our interaction.
Mr. Dolan: Before joining BHS, where did you last work?
Maurin O’Grady: Most recently, I was Associate Principal at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. Before that, I was an English teacher at Watertown High School and Melrose High School. Even before that, I did a short six-month long-term substitute position as a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Our Lady of Grace School (now defunct).
Dolan: Could you share little about your time as a teacher? What did you teach?
O’Grady: Yes! I taught – and LOVED teaching – English. I taught a number of classes and levels over my career, including Journalism, American Lit, Humanities (film, art, literature), AP Literature and Composition.
Dolan: What’s something that brings you joy after a long day of work?
O’Grady: I really love my work. I always have. Even on the most difficult days, there is always something – a conversation, an interaction, an observation, an experience, etc. – that makes me smile and laugh. I also love to take walks, spend time outside, visit with my friends and family, read, watch mindless television, and try new restaurants. I’m pretty simple!
Dolan: Do you have any children? Pets? What does home life look like?
O’Grady: I have one daughter and her name is Merritt. She is six years old and keeps me on my toes! I also have a pet dog – a Black Lab named Zippy. Zippy is ten years old but still has the energy of a puppy!
Dolan: Do you have any stereotypical fall in New England favorite activities?
O’Grady: My nieces and cousins play field hockey so I spend a lot of time at the fields watching them. I really enjoy watching them play, especially on a nice, brisk, sunny fall day.
Dolan: To that end, what’s your favorite fall flavor, pumpkin, apple, or something else?
O’Grady: I don’t really love the traditional fall flavors, but I do like butternut squash soup. I connect that flavor to fall.
Dolan: When you were in high school, did you play any sports, participate in any clubs, etc.?
O’Grady: I played a few sports – field hockey, cross-country, basketball, and softball. I was also involved in SADD.
Dolan: Music is a great way to share personality. What are 5 songs you listened to when you were in high school?
O’Grady: What a great question! Though I’ve never been known for my good taste in music, here goes….
- U2 – Pride (In the Name of Love) Actually, I listened to lots of U2 when I was in high school and college.
- 10,000 Maniacs – These are the Days Still one of my favorite songs!
- Boyz II Men – End of the Road This song reminds me of high school and high school Graduation. 🙂
- The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be
- REM – Man in the Moon
