New Orleans Native, Veteran Educator Dr. George J. McKenna III Honored with Los Angeles School Renaming

Dr. George J. McKenna.

One of New Orleans' most accomplished educators will soon receive one of public education's highest honors.

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) will officially rename Middle College High School as Dr. George J. McKenna III Middle College High School during a ceremony on Aug. 21, recognizing the lifelong contributions of the nationally acclaimed educator, administrator and school reformer.

A New Orleans native, McKenna is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, where he earned both his bachelor's degree in mathematics and later a Doctor of Education degree before embarking on a career that would make him one of the nation's most respected voices in urban education.

McKenna first gained national recognition in the 1980s as principal of George Washington Preparatory High School in South Los Angeles. Taking over a campus plagued by violence, low academic performance and declining morale, he implemented sweeping reforms centered on academic excellence, discipline and student accountability. Under his leadership, the school experienced dramatic improvements in safety, attendance and student achievement, earning McKenna national acclaim as an educational leader.

His remarkable story reached an even wider audience in 1986 with the CBS television movie The George McKenna Story, in which Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington portrayed the veteran educator. The film chronicled McKenna's efforts to transform one of Los Angeles' most troubled high schools into a place where students believed success was possible.

Over the course of his distinguished career, McKenna served in several leadership roles within LAUSD, including superintendent, senior administrator and later as a member of the Los Angeles Board of Education. Throughout each role, he remained a steadfast advocate for educational equity, high expectations and expanding opportunities for underserved students.

The decision to rename Middle College High School in his honor reflects a legacy that extends well beyond a single campus. It recognizes decades of service dedicated to improving public education and inspiring generations of students, educators and school leaders.

For New Orleans, the honor is especially meaningful. McKenna's journey—from the classrooms of Xavier University to becoming a nationally recognized champion for educational excellence—serves as a testament to the city's enduring tradition of producing transformative leaders.

When the new Dr. George J. McKenna III Middle College High School opens under its new name this August, it will stand not only as a tribute to an extraordinary educator but also as a lasting reminder that one committed leader can change the trajectory of an entire community.