Principal Titus leaves legacy with the Rapids

After 41 years in education — 16 years of serving as James River High School’s principal—John Titus will retire. One question on the incoming principal of James River High School Jeff Ellick’s mind is “How can you replace the legendary John Titus?”

Ellick compliments his predecessor. “He has been steadfastly committed to taking care of students and teachers,” Ellick said, “and working in partnership with the larger community within and outside Chesterfield County during his noble career.”

“We have been meeting and navigating through the transition plan,” Ellick said.

Ellick, who is the former principal at Tomahawk Middle School and Robious Middle School, has met with Titus and current faculty members individually and in groups and has gotten feedback about future endeavors. He said he has been in and out of classrooms attending school events, and talking to teacher and student groups.

“I have spoken to so many folk and when his name is brought up you can just see a glimmer of satisfaction,” Ellick said.

During Titus’ final Rapids graduation on Saturday, June 11, Cynthia Latimer, mother of James River Class of 2011 salutatorian Matthew Latimer said, “It’s been a privilege having my children there with him and it’s sort of fun to have him move on along with our children.”

Class of 2011 Senior Class President Taylor Jaszewski added that Titus has become a legend in the school “He is the symbol of our school. He envelops James River in all of its aspects and he’s always at the athletic events, he’s always at the drama events. Everything James River does Mr. Titus is there,” Jaszewski said. “Personally, he’s such a role model, he’s such a great person to look up to.”

Ed Mulreany, a former athletic booster president and parent of three former JRHS students, recalled memories of Titus’s leadership role at the high school in academics and other student activities.

“We’ve certainly had many good years with him,” Mulreany said.

Mulreany said he saw Titus at show choir events, field hockey and basketball games and theater productions. His kids played many sports and Mulreany expressed his gratitude for Titus’ participation in student activities.

“One of the things that always impressed me was the way that he was always at the extracurricular activities that the students took part in,” Mulreany said. “No matter what my kids did, you always saw John there.”

Tim Llewelyn, Director of Student Activities at JRHS agreed.

“I’ve never worked with a principal who [was] so involved … whether it’s a play performance, musical performance or an athletic contest and the kids come off the field and they look around in between quarters or half time or at the end of the game they see the principal there watching and being in involved in the game,” Llewelyn said. “I think it means a lot to the kids.”

It certainly meant a lot to Mulreany’s children. Two are now teachers. His daughter, Cathy teaches at Matoaca Elementary School. His oldest son Jim teaches at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School. His youngest son is currently a senior at Virginia Tech.

Mulreany said he appreciates the environment Titus has created for JRHS students. He said the values of respect and responsibility have translated to the faculty as well as the students.

“From a parent’s standpoint you love to see that,” he said, “that these values that we call dear are being upheld.”

The school has set up a scholarship in Titus’ name. It is called the John B. Titus Scholarship Fund. Contributions can be sent to Ruth Mills, bookkeeper at James River High School at 3700 James River Rd., Midlothian, VA 23113.