Rich Imler was revered by his former staff at Luigi Aprea
Elementary School for his fierce dedication to teachers and
students.
Gilroy – Rich Imler was revered by his former staff at Luigi Aprea Elementary School for his fierce dedication to teachers and students.
After his Aug. 15 death from cancer, the group created a scholarship fund in his name to honor the past principal.
Imler served for 30 years in the Gilroy Unified School District as an assistant principal and principal at Gilroy High School and principal at Brownell Fundamental School and Luigi Aprea.
“We wanted to do something that would be meaningful for him,” said Luigi Aprea teacher and friend Stephanie Chisolm.
An annual memorial scholarship will be given to a student who attended Luigi Aprea and graduates from GHS since he was a leader at both schools, she said.
Imler retired from Aprea in 2000, but remained in close contact with the school.
He often called Chisolm and other staff members for updates on the school.
Before Luigi Aprea was established, Imler fought for the continuation of Brownell Fundamental – and continued to fight against the district office – if he felt students would benefit.
“He truly was in it for the kids,” Chisolm said. “If he didn’t think it was good for the kids – he was always willing to buck the system … When push came to shove, he was always there for you.”
That loyalty to his staff and devotion to his students left a permanent image in people’s minds.
Described by many as “old school,” he was fair and firm in his discipline. Children knew where they stood with him – and respected him for it.
To donate to the Rich Imler Scholarship Fund, make checks payable to the Luigi Aprea Parent Club. Please make a note that it is to be used for the Rich Imler Scholarship Fund.
Mail checks c/o Aprea School Parent Club, 9225 Calle Del Rey, Gilroy, CA 95020. Donations may be dropped off in person at the memorial service this Friday at 6pm at Gilroy Presbyterian Church.
