Two MPS principals were once students in the district

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There are numerous reasons people return to the halls of their former high schools- including class reunions, or maybe a younger sibling or child now attends that school. This year, there are two former Milwaukee Public Schools high school students with a unique reason to return -- and it’s a reason that began in those very halls more than 20 years ago.

It's Jennifer Smith's first year as principal of Rufus King International School - High School Campus. But it's definitely not her first time walking the halls. 25 years ago, Smith graduated from Rufus King.

“Coming here I knew the tradition of excellence and it kind of put additional pressure to live up to the people that sat in this seat before me,” said Jennifer Smith.

But if you would have told her she would be doing this back when she was a student, she wouldn’t have believed it.

“Never did I think I would even be back here much less leading the school,” said Smith.

But now looking back, she said, it all makes sense.

“This school had everything to do with wanting to become a teacher and wanting to pursue education for the rest of my life,” said Smith.

Going back to your roots must be a trend this year within MPS, because Riverside University High School's new Principal Michael Harris is in a similar boat. The last time he walked these halls before he got the job, was as student in the 1980s. He says while a lot has changed, there are plenty of things that have stayed the same.

“I go back every time I walk the halls. I am a very hands on kind of principal so walking the halls is what I like to do, I like interacting with the kids,” said Harris.

Harris said he doesn't remember it being that hands-on when he was a student here. But that's one of the things he feels he can bring to this school as principal.

“Back in the day if I can say that teachers taught more in isolation. Now we are so much more collaborative in what we are trying to do," said Harris.

With a combination of those new techniques, and of course some from the memory bank, Harris said he has very high expectations for this generation of young adults.

“We are going to see them receiving even more scholarships and we are going to see them really prepared for the world of work or college,” said Harris.

Smith also says King's International Baccalaureate program helped her earn enough college credits during high school to graduate from college in three years.  That program is still a big focus today.