Menu Guide, page 25
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SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
Yes, we kin
A Passyunk Square resident and his family have become reacquainted through starring roles on a reality TV show. By Joseph Myers R e v i e w S ta f f W r i t e r
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aving spent portions of three decades in prison, Louis Verdi Sr. certainly believes in redemption. With his days as an organized crime associate behind him, the 63-year-old is striving to make amends to his family and has begun his emotional task before millions of eyes. He and his kin recently completed exploring acceptance and forgiveness as the stars of “In the Big House,” a reality show on Logo, a seven-year-old channel that crafts programs particularly for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. “When I was in the mob, I couldn’t See VERDI page 8
Sports
Riled ’Cats
An East Passyunk Crossing football team overcame frustration to score an overtime win. By Joseph Myers..........Page 44
Oh, Danny man!
As a teen, Daniel Peou received language instruction from Valerie Nelsen; they now work together to improve young lives. S ta f f P h o t o b y G r e g B e z a n i s
A former Cambodian refugee has gained additional professional solace in his role as a Pennsport high school’s principal. By Joseph Myers R e v i e w S ta f f W r i t e r
A
s a huge part of his upbringing lacked intellectual stimulation, Daniel Peou esteems each chance to instruct impressionable minds. The 44-year-old figure has devoted most of his professional career to bettering the lives of South Philly’s youths and is enjoy-
ing his new role as the principal at Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. Third St., an institution that helped him to establish a different identity after harrowing years in his native Cambodia. “No matter where I have been as an educator, I have tried to relate to everyone and to act as if each child is my own,” he said Monday from the Pennsport site, where he previously served as an assistant principal.
“Here I am continuing to honor my commitment to getting to know kids and being approachable.” The Northeast Philadelphian desired the same camaraderie as a boy, but the Khmer Rouge, followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, made four of his formative years nightmarish by confining him and his See PEOU page 10