I can't imagine BIshop McNamara without Mr.
Middleton. But then we will never have to because
the good that he has done and his devotion to and
love of all things Holy Cross will always be with us. Rick
Middleton, you will not be forgotten and I promise you
"the best is yet to come."
Heather Gossart, BMHS President/CEO 1996 - 2010
students more personally. However, he said it was a tiring position, and
as a Freshman Counselor he liked “the idea of seeing new kids and new
parents getting excited, and watching them grow."
He considered retirement for a couple years, but had planned to stay at
Bishop McNamara until the end of 2014. His sudden departure was a
surprise to his co-workers. Director of Counseling, Ms. Clare Treichel LR
'72, among which, said that it will be hard to find someone with “similar
temperament, professionalism, and love of or commitment to Catholic
education.” She has known him for 21 years and describes him as a “kindhearted, gentle and fair man with a lot of class and style,” and emphasizes
that he is very good with the freshmen because of his patience and
understanding to serve as a role model for young men and women.
Bishop McNamara’s Registrar, Ms. Karen Vinci, shared this sentiment.
“He is the ultimate gentleman,” she said. “He treats everyone with the
same lovely respect, and has always been wonderful with children in their
first semester.”
Counselor Richard Middleton Retires
A reflection of the legacy left by a loyal leader of McNamara
Carolyn Conte ‘14
Copy Chief / The Stampede
H
e stands in the center of a chaotic hallway surrounded by excited
seniors tossing wrinkled papers in the trash and handing him a
few textbooks as they chatter to themselves about leaving Bishop
McNamara. Counselor Mr. Richard Middleton, also leaving Bishop
McNamara, patiently asks the animated seniors to hand in their textbooks.
This virtue has been a staple of his career, and is one of the first words that
his associates volunteer when asked to describe him.
Mr. Middleton has served 25 dedicated years to the community of Bishop
McNamara High School. “After long thoughts and prayer, I feel this is the
time to retire,” he said. “I knew very little about McNamara when I first
arrived. I knew it was Holy Cross, so I expected everything from Mackin
to be here.”
Mackin Catholic High School greeted Mr. Middleton for the first time in
1971, where he was a Dean of Students until its closing. Before that, Mr.
Middleton worked as an elementary school teacher, and as a social worker
in Baltimore. In 1988 he joined the McNamara community as a Senior
Counselor, Senior Class Moderator, and Student Council Moderator. He
has also been a Dean of Students and Director of Guidance & Counseling.
His favorite position here was Dean, because he was able to know the
Mr. Middleton has always enjoyed watching his students mature. “From
Mackin, one of my students became mayor of Washington D.C.," he said
referring to former Mayor Adrian Fenty. "I also remember Jeff Kinney
[creator of the Wimpy Kid series] as well — very quiet and shy.” But most
of all, he continued, “I especially enjoy our alum who return to te ach.”
Despite his success in his career, Mr. Middleton didn’t always think he
would work in a school. “My original career was an anthropologist," he
said. "I was a big fan of [famous anthropologist] Margaret Mead.” He also
sings for the St. Augustine Choir, which has performed in front of the
Obamas, and is planned to garner an audience with Pope Francis.
Other than that and working, Mr. Middleton has enjoyed the athletics
at McNamara. His favorite memory? “The football championship. I can’t
remember the year, now, but Ms. Gossart and I were on the field cheering
against Dematha, and it was a big game," he said. "That and the Basketball
Championship.”
While his next career step is a loss for McNamara, he believes it is for
the best. “I’m making a move that will enable new and fresh ideas [for
Bishop McNamara],” he said. “I’m surely going to miss the entire Bishop
McNamara community — from the Administration, the Faculty, the Board
of Directors, the Support Staff, the Parents, and especially the Students.”
Mr. Middleton, as pictured, was present to watch the 2013 class of
graduating seniors receive their diplomas. A fitting end to a valued career,
his last memory of the school, he said, will be the smiles on the faces of the
seniors crossing the stage. “Not everyone gets to go out like I do,” he said.
“I'm very blessed”
C