Schools

A pair of retiring Gavilan College employees—Rachel Perez and Natalie Miranda-Juarez—were recognized at the July Board of Trustees’ meeting for their more than four decades of service in education.The duo received framed certificates of recognition handed out by Daniel Dodge, aide to California Assemblymember Luis Alejo, who represents the assembly’s 30th district.Perez, who most recently served as Interim Dean of Student Learning and Engagement, has held various positions at Gavilan since 1993, including Director of Extended Opportunities Programs and Services, Director of Special Projects, and Acting Vice President of Student Services.The long-time leader developed Gavilan’s Noncredit Education Program, establishing the Computer Technology Center in partnership with Gilroy Unified School District, where adults learn English for the workplace and citizenship, and prepare for GED exams, according to a press release from Gavilan College staff.Prior to joining the Gavilan College staff, Perez—who holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Counseling and Student Personnel from San Jose State University as well as a California Standard Teaching Credential in Secondary Teaching—worked as a teacher, counselor and administrator for GUSD.Juarez—who holds an Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts from Gavilan—was hired in 1972 as an Administrative Secretary while still a Gavilan student. She has also held Gavilan positions as Financial Aid Assistant, Instructional Secretary, and Senior Departmental Assistant. For the past seven years, she’s worked as a Program Services Specialist at Gavilan’s Hollister campus.

Rent a unique costume for Halloween while helping support the

A sky-blue playhouse, trimmed with white stars and colorful

A Christopher High School student is enjoying her school experience much more this year than last year, when she and her family say she was emotionally shaken from consistent bullying for her Islamic faith. Now a sophomore, the student has not reported any more recent...

As a 39-year veteran of the Gilroy Unified School District, Michelle Nelson knows the very inner workings of the education system. Her vast breadth of work—which included a 12-year stint as the president of the Gilroy Teachers Association—gave her inside information in how the...

The first thing incoming Gilroy High School Principal Marco

What inspires you? I feel that my biggest inspiration is being able to look back at something that you have accomplished and feel a sense of pride. It's good to take pride in your work; it pushes you to do your best and to try to do something great with your time.