In 2002, Chi McBride who played the Headmaster of a tough, inner-city high school on FOX’s award-winning Boston Public series, visited ABCD’s alternative high school and then spoke at the ABCD Community Awards Dinner. He was a great hit in both venues! The school that inspired that show was our own East Boston High. Tonight we honor Michael Rubin, the REAL Headmaster of East Boston High, for his lifetime of dedication to improving the lives of at-risk youth.

Michael has been East Boston High Headmaster for five years. Before becoming Headmaster, he spent 24 years in teaching and administrative positions at the school and was head basketball coach, leading his team to four state championships. In his role as lead administrator, Michael has implemented an out-of-school-time program aimed at serving the most at-risk teenagers in his school. Over the years, he has coached, mentored and advised tens of thousands of kids, helping them to realize their potential through academics and sports.

“We are very fortunate to have an educator with Mike Rubin’s administrative skills and ability to relate to young people and their families in this key position in our schools,” said ABCD President/CEO Bob Coard. “He sets the perfect example for the kids who need it most. He knows how important it is for young people to have caring adults in their lives and he also does whatever it takes to be sure they receive the education they need.”

Michael grew up surrounded by deep poverty in Memphis, Tennessee. Tragically, his parents died when he was a young boy, leaving him an orphan at the age of 11. He was sent to a boarding school in Connecticut, where he was one of only 10 African American children in a school of 500. He went on to Tufts University and graduated with a degree in Education.

He has since received a master’s degree in educational administration from UMass-Boston. He currently sits on the Principal’s Center Advisory Board at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the College Committee for the Bedford METCO program and is chairman of the foundation for Excellent Schools Mentoring program.

Michael was twice named the Boston Globe “Coach of the Year,” in 1985 and 1992, and received the Mayor Thomas Menino African American Achievement Award in 1999.

He still finds time to volunteer as a coach and referee at the Roxbury YMCA. He lives in Mattapan with his wife of 25 years, Danette. They have three children.

We are proud to honor Michael Rubin for his strong leadership and outstanding service in meeting the needs of our city’s youth.