When the topic of retirement has come up over the course of Michael Hogan's almost three-decade-long career in education, people have told him that he would know when the time was right to consider that proposition.
That time turned out to be at the end of this school year, as Hogan, who serves as assistant principal at Petal Middle School, recently announced his retirement effective June 30 after 27 years with the Petal School District.
"I have been very blessed to have been a part of the Petal School District as a student, educator and administrator, and for that I am very grateful," Hogan said. "At this time, I am seeking the Lord's guidance for what my next chapter should be to fulfill his purpose in my life."
Hogan graduated from Petal High School in 1987 before earning his bachelor's degree in Science Education in 1991 from the University of Southern Mississippi. He received his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from William Carey University in 1999.
Hogan began his teaching career in January 1992 at Collins High School, where he taught biology while coaching tennis and softball. His first year with the Petal School District was 1993, when he came to Petal Middle School as a seventh-grade science teacher as well as a high school assistant softball coach and varsity tennis coach.
From 2002-2003, Hogan served as assistant principal at W.L. Smith Elementary School and Petal Middle School, and solely as assistant principal at the middle school from 2003-2004. In 2004, he became principal at Petal Middle School, where he has remained.
"My favorite thing about my job is building relationships with students, teachers, staff and families," Hogan said. "The Petal School District has played a major role in the person I have become because of the people in this district that have invested in me along with my church and community.
"I will miss the interaction and relationships with the people I work with and seeing students grow and give back to our community. One of the most important accomplishments is not only seeing my children attend and graduate from the Petal School District but seeing all the many students come through my classroom and walk the halls of Petal Middle School that grow up to be responsible citizens."
In 2009, Hogan was named Mississippi's Middle School Principal of the Year, and in 2016 he was recognized as the Petal School District Administrator of the Year.
Matt Dillon, superintendent of the Petal School District, said Hogan has been a consistent leader in the district for many years, with his 17 years as middle school principal specifically standing out.
"I remember when I moved to Petal, and I spent a day with him learning about the City of Petal and the school district," Dillon said. "Having been a student, graduate and employee, Mr. Hogan is a great ambassador of the school district. If you haven't ever heard his story, the Petal School District is who helped raise him and mold him into the man and leader he is today, and he has spent his life's work providing that same service to thousands of students over the years.
"It has been my pleasure to work alongside someone that loves people the way he does. He cares deeply for his students and staff. Many times, I remember him dealing with a challenging issue and picking up the phone to call a parent to find out he taught them or knew their family. He just has a natural ability to connect with people, and it certainly helped in building rapport with so many people in the Petal community."
Dillon said although there is no way to ever "replace" Hogan, Dillon is working with the middle school staff to pinpoint key leadership characteristics that would best serve the school and its people. Dillon has visited with each Parent Learning Community to talk through that process and its timeline, and a panel will interview applicants and make a recommendation to the Petal School District Board of Trustees by its May meeting.
"Obviously, I have some big shoes to fill at (Petal Middle School)," Dillon said. "I can't thank Mr. Hogan enough for his commitment to our school district. He will be missed by all, and we wish him nothing but the best in his retirement."
