Mount Pleasant High School Principal Publishes Three Poetry Collections Inspired by Love, Leadership, and Life
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mount Pleasant High School Principal Wobberson Torchon can now add published author to his resume after publishing not one, not two, but three poetry collections.
Where The Tides Spoke For The First Time, Echoes of My Heart and Surges of My Heart (Under Your Pillow) each offer a deeply personal look into Principal Torchon’s life, relationships, and philosophy on human connection.
“My inspiration came from looking inward and recognizing that we are not one-dimensional; we are multi-dimensional,” Torchon said. “As a math teacher, I relied heavily on the analytical, left side of my brain. But over time, especially working closely with students, I began to appreciate human nature and emotional intelligence–the right side of my brain.”
Torchon began his “soul searching” journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more time at home led him to reflect deeply on his life and relationship with his wife of more than 38 years. This personal exercise in observation and gratitude soon evolved into a meaningful weekly ritual, where Torchon would write a poem and place it under his wife’s pillow every Sunday.
With his wife’s permission, many of these poems now appear in Torchon’s published collections giving readers an intimate window into his personal world.
“When you have the inspiration living right with you, it’s an advantage,” Torchon said. “I began to enjoy life a little more. Even in my position as a principal, I found a better way to communicate with people, a better way to understand their fears, their passions, their emotions, so that I could actually help and support them to get to their very best.”
Torchon hopes students who read the collection will be able to see beyond his role as principal and learn about the similarities that connect them. He encourages students to continue to work hard in class, so that they can accomplish whatever they want to be in life.
“Effort creates ability,” Torchon said. “There is no limit to what their brain can accomplish, and it’s never too late. That’s the recipe for success. Work hard, be at it, and never give up.”
District, state and local leaders congratulate Torchon on this milestone accomplishment and his commitment to further fostering creativity, connection and a love of learning both inside and outside the classroom.
“Principal Torchon leads with both intellect and heart,” said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “By sharing his own reflections, emotions and experiences, he is opening the door for students to see him not just as a principal, but as a person who values connection, empathy and self-expression. That kind of vulnerability strengthens trust, encourages students to better understand themselves and one another.”
“Principal Torchon shows us that education is more than lessons,” said School Board President Ty’relle Stephens. “It is about connection. He reminds our students that who you are matters just as much as what you know. Through his leadership and his writing, he is showing young people that their voices, their stories, and their effort all have power. And that is the kind of example that stays with you for a lifetime.”
“Educators like Principal Torchon demonstrate that teaching extends beyond the classroom,” said Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green. “His work highlights the value of combining one’s personal passion and professional purpose to enrich students’ education.”
“Principal Wobberson Torchon exemplifies the very best of the Creative Capital,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “Our City thrives when we have thoughtful, creative leaders like Principal Torchon in our schools guiding our students and showing Providence’s youngest neighbors the power and importance of art.”
Torchon is already at work on his fourth book, seeking to meld both sides of his brain by exploring the connection between his two loves: mathematics and poetry.
