Rev. Fr. John Matheiken started Sobhana EMHS in 1975 at Kothamangalam which is the entrance to High range on NH 49. It developed step by step into a full fledged High School by 1985. Sobhana is the first English Medium School in and around Kothamangalam. It was the need of the time to begin an Eng. Med. School for this part of Kerala.

            Rev. Fr. John Matheiken, the founder and first manager of Sobhana was a great man by birth. He was the only child of his parents. When he was in the womb of his mother, his father expired. He was intelligent and pious and received a good education. He had the courage to follow God’s call leaving his widowed mother alone at home. He joined at petty seminary, Ernakulam and started his priestly formation. Just one month before his Priestly Ordination his mother also has expired. His generosity and good will prompted him to offer his life and wealth for the poor and the needy. After a few years of priestly duty in different parishes he had his higher studies in Oriental Institute, Rome. While he was the professor at Vadavathoor Seminary, Kottayam he started a hospital for the Mental Patients at Ayroopadom, Thrikkariyoor. He also started an Orphanage for abandoned babies and a Kinder Garten, which is the humble start of Sobhana EMHS. As he started the 1st standard the location of the school was changed to the present site, near the Bishop’s house, Kothamangalam. Under his ablest leadership Sobhana has grown up in both academic and non academic fields, and became one of the leading schools of Kerala. Even though Fr. John Matheiken was a great inspiring force of Sobhana he had been ailing with heart decease. In spite of the best medical aid he expired on 31st May 1995. During the last days of his life he entrusted all his belongings to the Sisters of Nazareth, St. Mary’s Province, Kothamangalam. Since then the Manager of Sobhana is the Provincial Superior.