Faculty Spotlight

MR. VINCENT MIGLIAZZO by Judy Wood Bains (’57)

A local boy, Vincent attended Mt. Carmel High School, Loyola University, and graduate school at USC.  His first teaching position found him back on the campus of Mt. Carmel.  After a couple of years, the higher income of the public school system beckoned.  MHS was hiring.  Principal, A. John Waldman, interviewed him and the following day he was offered a teaching position.  Tall, slim, with movie star good looks and a winning personality, Vincent was soon a favorite among the students, becoming known as “Mr. Mig” (and “Mig” to faculty and administrators).  Aside from his chemistry classes, he participated in campus activities and enjoyed the interaction with students.  Mig became President of the Faculty, Counselor, Vice Principal in charge of Discipline and Counseling Services, and, finally, Principal.  In 1967, Mig was asked to develop a program for a Continuation High School that the state had just mandated for every school district in California.  The first classes were held in church classrooms on Crenshaw then moved to Hudnall and eventually to a site on Hillcrest, which I believe is still occupied for the same purpose.  Under Superintendent Francis Worthington, Mig moved to the District Office where he worked as Assistant to the Superintendent, Director of Public Relations and Personnel, and Liaison to the Board of Education.  Retirement came in 1983.  Mig's interests were not all academic.  He became well known in the South Bay for his involvement in Horology. He is a Journeyman Clockmaker and is sought after in southern California for his expertise in the construction and repair of antique and valuable timepieces.  Antique automobiles have also been his interest.  He has rebuilt Model A Fords, and a 1931 Ford truck which is in a museum at the Inglewood Park Cemetery. His automobile collection can be viewed at the Centinela Adobe during their celebration events. Mig has said many times that his fondest memories, professionally, were the days he was honored to spend teaching chemistry at MHS--that those days were a joy, and they fulfilled a dream beyond imagination. The Migliazzos continue to reside at their family home in Westchester.  They are the proud parents of three children, Marlene, Larry and Dennis, and delight in the company of their seven grand-children.  On Sunday, July 12, 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Migliazzo along with about 95 family and friends, celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Vincent and his wife, Beverly, are always invited to MHS reunions Mig is an active member of the Morningside High Monarchs Alumni Association and serves on it’s scholarship committee.

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