If you walk into Sto-Rox Junior/Senior High School during the school day, there’s a name you’ll hear from students more than any other.
“Duca.”
“Mr. Duca.”
“Hey, Duca!”
Well now, you can add ‘Assistant Principal’ in front of that name.
Mike Duca was approved Thursday evening by the Sto-Rox School Board as Assistant Principal for Grades 7-9 at Sto-Rox Junior/Senior High School. It is the latest high point in a career that has taken him from his native Long Island to the Pittsburgh area.
Duca, at right, posing with a student while handling out awards to Sto-Rox underclassmen in May of 2022.
After studying Elementary and Special Education at the University of Scranton, Duca worked at schools in Lancaster and Harrisburg. Then, Pittsburgh came calling. But not for him, at least, not at first.
“My wife got hired out of law school to her dream job, so I followed her out here,” explained Duca. He took advantage of the situation by working as a substitute teacher in several school districts, including Avonworth and Northgate. It was a stint at Holy Family Day School, though, that led him to Sto-Rox.
“My principal there at the time, Mr. (Tim) Beck, was hired here (Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School) to be the principal, and they were looking for a long-term sub for the year.”
It didn’t take long for Sto-Rox to make an impression on Duca.
“I just…fell in love with the district,” he said.
At the end of that school year, Duca was hired full-time to an emotional support position at the former middle school. Since then, he has focused on English and Special Education, making the move to the Junior/Senior High School as the district reorganized its building and grade structure.
So, after nine years, why does Duca stay at Sto-Rox?
“I think my wife actually put it best,” he said. “She goes, ‘you’d be bored anywhere else.’ Because there’s always something going on here. There’s never a dull moment here, which I kind of love.”
Duca expressed admiration for everyone in the building, from students to staff members.
“Even on my toughest days, there’s someone here that will try to put a smile on your face, they’ll always try to pick you up.”
As for what the future holds, Duca is ready to return the favor as he transitions into his new role.
“I want to give back to them now, stepping up and helping them as much as I can.”
Duca said bringing stability to the building is his primary goal at this point. He wants students and staff to know he’ll be there every day for them, holding them accountable.
And of course, one thing that won’t change for Duca: Hearing his name echoing throughout the halls, which still brings a smile to his face.
“It makes me feel good to know that I’m needed, and I’m hopefully making a positive influence on everybody around me.”
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This is one part of a three-part series on the new leadership team at Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School. Next week: Pam Clawson, Assistant Principal for Grades 10-12.