With bittersweet farewells and welcoming excitement throughout the hallways, Judson High School says goodbye, along with congratulations, to four members of our administration staff.
Principal Richard Mendoza and Associate Principal Cynthia Valdillez make their departure at the end of the month from Judson High School. As Mendoza makes his way to New Braunfels ISD as their District Athletic Director, and Valdillez becomes Associate Principal at Candlewood Elementary, we also say hello to former Academic Dean, Eric Pawkett, as the new Associate Principal, along with former Assistant Principal Joe Gutierrez, as the interim Principal.
Because Mendoza is an alum of Judson High School with such strong connections to others, many emotions came up throughout his decision to leave.
“It’s hard for me to leave a place that has been ingrained in me since I was five years old, I’d be lying to you if I told you that I’m not a little anxious about going to a new place. This wasn’t an easy decision for me because this is home, but when an opportunity like this arises, we have to take risks so that we can grow.” Mendoza stated.
Valdillez is also someone who had quite a significant change in leadership. Moving from high school to elementary school posed the question of “why” to a few individuals.
“My goal is to be a [head] principal of an elementary school. I wanted to go to the basics and be with the children as they are learning the importance of school, along with the behavior of it. When I became a mother, I saw the value and importance in doing so,” Valdillez stated.
Although everyone has an opinion surrounding the circumstance at hand, there seemed to be a common supportive factor when it came to hearing about their retreat.
“One of the things we tell you guys in school is to go after your dreams, which sometimes isn’t a clean break. So, I’m sad, but I’m also okay because I know that they’re taking steps to something that they really want to do, in which you have to be okay with it,” said English teacher Breanna Andrews.
“I wasn’t expecting [Principal Mendoza to leave] and it definitely was surprising to me. With that being said, I really am going to miss him and I think that he’s done a good job with making his presence throughout the hallways helping to settle things down. But I understand him taking that position with wanting to be a District Athletic Director,” said U.S. Government teacher, Aaron King.
Even as many try not to struggle with saying goodbye, some greetings are due for two members of the leadership change. Mr. Pawkett and Mr. Gutierrez are already both notable administrators at Judson High School. Now, not only will the teachers see them more, but students will also have the opportunity to put names to faces.
Gaining new leadership in a place that is filled with different experiences and ways of thinking brings about particular opinions and concerns for the future.
With the movement of Pawkett and Gutierrez, they are aware of the challenges of having a new administration and hope to make it known that they hear their audience.
“ [I hope to] make sure that I’m doing everything that I can, so that our students have access to try as many things that they would like, along with helping students be as active in the school as they would like,” said Pawkett.
“I hope that students feel as though I am approachable and feel comfortable to come talk to me. When you have a leader such as Mr. Mendoza, people will have mixed emotions about it. With this being said, I hope to be able to answer any questions [students] may have, along with helping relieve any anxiety that may be presented,” Gutierrez stated.
A huge thank you to Mr. Mendoza and Mrs. Valdillez for all the hard work put into making Judson High School a proper launchpad for fellow Rockets. A warm welcome also for Mr. Gutierrez and Mr. Pawkett as they continue to make sure Rocket Pride lives on. Good luck to you all in your new positions.