By Laura Lane
"I think it's good for any institution to have change, particularly in terms of leadership," Didden said. "You need fresh ideas."
The former Roslyn assistant principal, who was also once an English teacher at Baldwin High School, plans to teach again. "I don't want to move away from working with kids -- don't know if I can stop cold turkey," he explained, adding that he hopes to teach English once again at a private school. "I always liked teaching. In the classroom you can share your passion for your subject."
Mepham has changed under Didden. When he arrived, only 54 percent of students graduated with Regents diplomas, but now 97 percent do. And the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses has increased, too, with 75 percent of students scoring a 3 or higher on an A.P. exam.
Arnold Goldstein, the Central District's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said, "There was a time when Mepham was in third place with our other high schools in the district, but now all three schools are comparable. John has made Mepham a school that focuses on academics and is competitive with any school in Nassau County. He will leave a great, lasting legacy."
Didden was also instrumental in making exemplary character important at the school. He introduced the "Mepham Way," principles that he had printed on posters that are found in every classroom. The Mepham Way lets students know "how important it is to treat others with the respect you would like to receive," Didden said. "The goal for graduates is to ensure that they be lifelong learners and good people."
Didden is considered just that among his colleagues. Lorraine Poppe, Kennedy High School's principal, has known him for many years, not only in the district but also as a fellow teacher when they both taught English at Baldwin High School. "I have always admired John's strong work ethic, high standards and his unwavering support for any activity that will benefit students," Poppe said. "Whenever he makes a decision, he always asks, 'How will this affect kids?' He has been a role model for students, teachers and fellow administrators; all have sought his advice and counsel."
Didden grew up in Merrick and has lived in North Merrick for 36 years. He has always felt entrenched in the community, volunteering with the Boy Scouts as well as coaching for and serving as president of the local Little League. He plans to remain in North Merrick after he retires.
"Mr. Didden was always involved in the community and everything that went on at Mepham," Goldstein said. "And he made Mepham the kind of school that you'd want to send your children to."
Maureen Welsh, Mepham's math chairwoman, worked closely with Didden. When she came to Mepham she was a first-time administrator, and, Welsh recalled, she had a great deal to learn. "Mr. Didden offered his wisdom and advice," she said. "He was always there for me and was always very supportive. Mr. Didden was dedicated and promoted school spirit, too, helping us all to realize what a wonderful school community we belonged to."
Known for working late, Didden could often be found at school events. "He was always willing to pitch in," Welsh said. "At our [school's] 70th anniversary party, he was in the dunk tank. He's always gone out of his way for people."
Didden faced challenges while he was principal. One of his most difficult was the Mepham football scandal of 2003. He worked hard to move the school forward after three young football players were abused by teammates at a Pennsylvania summer camp.
"We knew our mission wasn't changing -- it remained academics and character education," he explained. "We recognized that some students do inappropriate things and [we] didn't believe that what occurred was representative of our school."
That period was difficult for students. Homecoming and the football season were canceled. Didden instead decided to hold Mepham Community Spirit Day. "It was very well attended by students and parents, and I think that was the turning point," he recalled. "We also had a detective come in and share a message of doing what's right and forgiving, who had already been scheduled to come before the football scandal. There was an emphasis to reassure the students that it's a good place, and that they are good people, and to hold their head up high."
Didden referred to the Mepham community as a family, saying he believes that the school healed after the scandal because of the caring staff. "Like any family, we stood together in hard times -- the football scandal, a student's death, a teacher's death," he said. "We grieved as a group and pulled together."
With more time on his hands, Didden may go back to one of his hobbies, photography. Clearly, he has an eye for the good in the world.
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
