John Perales is one of five who received an award from the
Hispanic Development Corporation
Gilroy – When John Perales chose education as a profession, he wasn’t envisioning history or algebra lessons.
The homegrown Gilroyan was thinking about one thing: football.
A former Gilroy High School football player, Perales initially decided to teach simply because he wanted to coach the game he used to play. He landed a job at GHS coaching and teaching, but it didn’t take long before the father of three discovered a serious passion in another field.
Perales spent a year teaching at Mt. Madonna High School, Gilroy’s continuation school before taking over as principal. And last year he took over the reins at South Valley Middle School.
All that and he’s only 33 years old.
Perales’ dedication to education and the leadership role he plays in the community has not gone unnoticed. The Gilroy native is one of five recipients being honored by the Hispanic Development Corporation of Silicon Valley. The awards, dubbed Portraits of Success, are given out annually to Hispanic role models living in Santa Clara Valley.
Perales said he was flattered after learning that he’d won the honor.
“It’s really neat,” he said. “We work hard and it’s nice to be recognized.”
The middle school principal, who on any given day can be found roaming the SVMS campus wearing a friendly smile, said as a leader he’s obviously required to make decisions but before he settles on one he always considers the classroom impact.
Although that strategy takes much longer, Perales said it’s the best way to keep both staff and students happy.
“I’m a people person,” he said. “I love people and I think that’s my strength.”
To ensure that his staff (which he’s quick to point out includes teachers, secretaries and custodians) remains a cohesive, content bunch, Perales organizes South Valley events such as barbecues, Christmas parties and basketball games.
The principal uses his background – he grew up in a Spanish-speaking household and said he still struggles with his English – to inspire his students. And he tells his teachers that ensuring that their students leave school with a stellar education is a “matter of life and death.”
If we don’t ignite that passion “we’re dooming them to social slavery,” Perales said.
Whether the students choose trade school or a four-year university is their prerogative, but Perales wants them to graduate armed with the knowledge and desire to pursue a steady livelihood.
“I see my message here is we want to be the best,” he said. “We want to be the premiere middle school because then our kids win.”
Perales, who is proud to say his school now boasts a bilingual education program and full-time art instructor, will be honored Sept. 22 in San Jose. He is married with three young children.
