Peou returns to head Furness

NEWS

A former Cambodian refugee has gained additional professional solace in his role as a Pennsport high school’s principal.

By Joseph Myers

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Sep. 13, 2012

“She essentially taught me the language,” Peou said of his current colleague.

“Did I luck out or what?” Nelsen added between finalizing rosters for three of the school’s 575 enrollees. “Most of his classmates said very little, but he was somewhat talkative and so inquisitive.”

As Furness was then a junior high school, he studied at South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St., too, yet despite experiencing a confidence boost, he found himself asking little of his ambition.

“My goals were to graduate and to become an auto mechanic, nothing fancy,” he said.

He eventually reconsidered and enrolled at Temple University. Dropping out, he knew he needed more to thrive and, after growing bored with marketing work, decided to acquire more schooling to pursue education as a vocation. The School District of Philadelphia tabbed him as a bilingual counseling assistant, with Eliza B. Kirkbride School, 1501 S. Seventh St., then welcoming him as an apprentice teacher. While at the Passyunk Square site, he sought to exert greater influence on youngsters, with a day interacting with Cambodian youths who had forsaken their education proving instrumental. The Taggart position followed, along with enrollment in a principals academy that garnered him the acting assistant principalship at Edward Bok High School, 1901 S. Ninth St. His climb continued with installation as a Furness assistant principal and reached a peak two years ago with appointment as the principal at George W. Childs School, 1599 Wharton St.

“Each place has been rewarding, especially Childs, where we had some challenges, many successes and lots of hugs,” Peou said.

The well-liked head broke hearts with his June announcement that he would be leaving the Newbold/Point Breeze spot, as he had taken the advice of then-Furness principal Timothy McKenna to try to become his successor. Penny Nixon, the district’s chief academic officer, gave Peou favorable news, and he looks to make his position a reflection of his passion for compassion and familiarity.

“I have yet to find it intimidating,” he said of his job. “Great people surround me and we are committed to making the best situation possible for these learners.”

His growing résumé also has helped Peou, who lives with wife Sokhanthi and sons Patrick and Timothy, to understand his past a bit more.

“I have had difficulties discussing my background partly because I have thought nobody would care,” he said. “However, I have decided to let people know the real me.”

Next week will offer two chances to divulge, as Furness will hold Back to School Night Sept. 20 and a free noon screening of “Lost Love,” a film on the Khmer Rouge’s devastation, Sept. 22.

“His is a great story,” Nelsen said. “Nothing is better than seeing one of your kids succeed.”

Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.

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