Mr. George Bain, the former MHS CAP counselor, passed away to cancer this year. His death has left a hole in the spirit of Miami High, but the memory of who he was and what he did lives on in those whose lives he touched.

For student services department chairperson Ms. Diaz de Villegas, Mr. Bain was her best male friend since she was close to him for over 30 years.  One of her best memories of him was when he had given her one of his cherished possessions, a picture of a chimpanzee named Coco entitled “Looking for the Light.” She said that it meant a lot to him, to the point where his eyes got watery when he looked at it.

MHS 2016 graduate Brandon Munoz, who considered Mr. Bain as a friend, remembers when Mr. Bain treated him and his friends to pizza at Casola’s where they sat, talked, and had fun.

For MHS 2015 graduate Alexandra Lugo, Mr. Bain was a father figure and “a hero without a cape.” Her favorite moment with Mr. Bain was during her senior breakfast where she and another girl danced. Once they had finished, he stood up, applauded them, and later congratulated them on their performance.

Contributions to Miami High

 Mr. Bain is best remembered by his work as the school’s CAP counselor, where he helped students with the college process. His work involved helping students with college applications, helping them sign up for the SAT and ACT, helping them complete the FAFSA application, recommending scholarships, and most of all, counseling them about what to do after high school.

Senior Juan Rivera attributes the things he learned about the POSSE scholarship to Mr. Bain.

Mr. Bain often went out of his way to help students get to college, not only helping them choose the right school, but also convincing reluctant parents to let them go. Alumnus Brandon Munoz said it best: “He was an awesome man who was much more than just his job, and went above and beyond for it.”

While he would encourage students to attend a college or university after they graduate, he also helped students find alternatives if they decided not to go to college.  

Mr. Bain first started working here in 1980 as an English teacher. According to Ms. Diaz de Villegas, he had a creative way of using attention-grabbing acronyms to explain complex themes discussed in class.

Marine science teacher Mr. Upperco remembers teaching SAT/ACT Prep with Mr. Bain. They had formed a close bond from having traveled together to their work place on Saturday mornings for 5 years. Mr. Upperco also states that they would go out for drinks on Friday after they get their paycheck.

Mr. Bain the Sage

Mr. Bain did not just lead people to a better college, but also to a better path for character development. MHS alumna Alexandra Lugo said the he taught her to keep persevering no matter how hard college gets. “And never forget to stay humble and humorous,” she said.

Brandon Munoz said, “He always saw my potential and would push me to try hard and do my best. Bain was always available to answer questions not just limited to college.”

Class of 2016 alumnus Jose Hernandez said, “He should be remembered not as a counselor, but as an integral part of Miami High that helped graduate future scholars and notable alumni.”

Ms. Diaz de Villegas said, “He should be remembered for his good heart, wit, and intelligence.” She also stated that there are plans to create a scholarship in his name.