Livingston principal headed to Harvard

William Marroquin, the principal at Livingston Middle School, will be one of only 25 people in the nation to begin an education doctorate program at Harvard University this summer, a step forward to realizing his personal “American dream.”

With more than 500 applicants, about 50 candidates were tested in their critical thinking and problem-solving skills before the 25 finalists were chosen. The three-year program includes a full-ride scholarship and involves research in school systems and leadership and ends with an internship.

Marroquin said when he first heard the news he was chosen for the program, “it was a chance to take a step back and look at my life. I had to pinch myself.”

“It’s amazing where I’m at and where I came from,” he said. “It’s the American dream – anybody can rise to the top.”

Marroquin, 40, came to the U.S. as a 9-year-old boy from Guatemala. His family first lived in Los Angeles, where he graduated from high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree in math from the University of California, Riverside, and later went on to earn his master’s degree and teaching credential from Stanford University.

His first teaching job was in Sunnyvale before he worked in Dos Palos for three years. “It was great to teach in a small community,” he said. “There’s lots of students who are children of migrant workers.”

After Dos Palos, Marroquin taught at Buhach Colony High for six years. That led to an administrative position with Merced Union High School District, where he facilitated testing and coordinated the math and science curriculum.

Marroquin’s first experience as principal came during the summer at Golden Valley High. “I was hooked,” he said.

He’s been at Livingston Middle School for three years where he says he’s “living the dream every day.” His goal is to one day become a school superintendent.

Andres Zamora, Livingston Union School District superintendent, said Marroquin is a role model for students and staff. “During his tenure at Livingston Middle School, he has distinguished himself as a leader who is passionate about students’ success and supporting the growth and development of his staff,” Zamora said in a news release. “He has cultivated a culture of high expectations, engagement and continued learning for all. We will miss him, but I am confident that he will continue making a positive difference.”

The district is in the process of hiring a new principal to fill Marroquin’s position.

Elizabeth City, director of Marroquin’s doctorate program, said she encouraged Marroquin to apply because he showed interest and already had leadership experience.

“He clearly wanted to do more for more kids and thought he needed to learn more in order to do that,” City said. “We’re also looking for candidates who show dissatisfaction for the status quo and don’t think what we’re doing for kids in schools is good enough and they want to make it better.”

City said the program also is looking for candidates who will represent the type of students in the education system.

“Fundamentally, if you look at senior leaders in American education, they’re predominantly white men,” she said. “Our program is looking at changing the face of leadership to represent the face of the children. We’re interested when we see talented Latino leaders. That’s who we want in our program and that’s who we want to lead our kids.”

Marroquin said he hopes the youths in the Valley will use his story for inspiration. “I was a poor immigrant, learning a second language, a scared 9-year-old boy,” he said. “And look at where I’m at. Anyone could do it.”

Marroquin stresses the importance of having mentors and seeking leadership.

Marroquin will move to Boston with his wife, Carmen, and their three children.

His goal is to come back to the Central Valley as a superintendent and help principals and teachers move their schools and classrooms forward.

His message to students: “I hope young people will continue to stretch themselves and realize their dreams.”

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Livingston principal headed to Harvard."