Tribute to Mr. JMB Hughes by Harris Beh

 I was in PFS from 1959 to 1965.

I remember much.

I can say with pride, Mr. JMB Hughes was from a pedigree of illustrious Headmasters of PFS.

JMB Hughes inspired and motivated thousands of PFS Students and his group of dedicated teachers.

I remember as Headmaster of PFS, ... his leadership, his presence and his stewardship brought the best out in many of us.

Headmasters make, shape and advance the school . Mr. JMB Hughes was a champion at that.

In an institution like PFS, the oldest English school in the region, JMB Hughes revered its tradition,

its quality and academic excellence, and the School's performance on the playing field.

He persisted and gave us some of the best and most unforgettable teachers and characters in PFS and ensured we benefited from the best school environment in the country.

I remember JMB Hughes was everywhere in the school.

He would make his rounds almost every other morning... almost always at a specific time going by every class in the school.

He was always at inter-school matches, at the rugby field, the football field, the hockey field, the badminton hall and the Saturday cricket matches., not just at the School's Annual Sports Day. He was always at our School Concerts and School Plays.

But what was inspiring to many,...  was his frequent presence at inter-house games and school practices. At the school field, the badminton hall, the basketball courts and the cricket nets.  And we knew it. His palpable presence engendered high energy, fantastic morale, pride, enthusiasm and commitment with us as students. 

I remember..JMB Hughes had a memory like an elephant. He called us by name in the class room and in the field. He seems to remember events past and people involved.

I remember…  the school assemblies in the hall on Monday mornings,... Mr. JMB Hughes in his brisk stride through the aisle on to the school stage in his favourite light brown suit .

I remember on one dreary Monday morning he made us sing the Negara-ku again. With passion. We rocked the school hall that morning.

Mr. JMB Hughes helped unleash the power of turned-on students, sportsmen and even the teachers. Quite simply, he gave us PRIDE.

I remember ... he came into my class after the results of one of the school exams. He not only mentioned the top 5 students, he picked out the bottom 5..and those who excelled in English and Maths. When he left the class we all felt good. We all got a pep talk and lots of encouragement..

I remember.,.... when I was appointed a School Prefect in Form Five together with Teng Kok Seng, he called all the new Prefects in to his office. There was Tan Cheng Keat, Fong Soo Hoi, Tang Hong Tatt., Lee Kim Siem, Lim Kwee Hiang, Jawhar Hassan... 

He made specific pointed observations of us individually including some shortcomings and his expectations of our leadership.

When we left his office, we knew he knew us individually.., our strengths and our challenges. He must have observed us.

I was not one of the fortunate many that Mrs. Jean Hughes taught  in Class. The many students that she taught,  loved her for her endearing qualities as a teacher. They speak of her refined, and  gentle manner ..and her compassion. They looked forward to her English and Literature classes. 

I remember,... Mrs Jean Hughes was at the helm of the Music & Drama society. I remember how she engaged the students.. They all speak fondly of her.

Somehow, I remember Mr. and Mrs Hughes are ..have been a great part of our history, of Penang Free School and the profound effect they had in the quality of our school life.., our education. We are grateful, we had the privilege of their time in PFS.

 I had the privilege of being there then.

Mr. JMB Hughes gave us Pride, not because we were the best students that got into PFS, but he got most of us to give our best..to do our best in our studies and in the playing field. He imbued Character and discipline.

In my mind he made champions of us. But behind that..  Mr. JMB Hughes was the champion of the students, the teachers and the School. He was the Heroe that made heroes of the students.

He was proud of us. But more significantly, we were proud of him, as our Headmaster.

Harris Beh

PFS: 1959 to 1965