FACULTY AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Sara Behrens Building Relationships
By Jacob Beckett
By Jacob Beckett
Mrs. Behrens is often upheld as a personal favorite among students, with many citing her kindness, fairness and understanding as a individual that has made her a stand-out figure in the lives of sudents. Mrs. Behrens is a teacher at Eastwood High School, where she teaches juniors in English Language and Composition. Graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, she is a life-long learner, striving to make education meaningful, accessible, rewarding and engaging. She is a club-sponsor for many extracurricular groups on campus and she has dedicated her life to teaching English to high school students.
Her family has a long history of teaching English, and she carries on the tradition with pride. "I come from a long-line of English teachers, including my grandmother, mother and older sister, who have all taught or currently teach English. I initially thought I wanted to be a Physics teacher or an English teacher in high school, but it was my junior year that English truly captivated me. Being able to sort out the puzzles behind pieces of writing and grammar truly spoke to me, and I immediately fell in love. " Mrs. Behrens says.
She also believes in the power of language and literature to inspire and connect people. "I love teaching English because it allows you to express yourself in order to appeal to different audiences and what you can bring into your writing and speeches to do such. Rather that's changing your tone according to who your communicating to or being able to dissect different texts and arguments, understanding how it works and how you might be manipulated and being able to defend yourself in the face of such is essential. It’s ultimately crucial to communicate well and decipher other messages to convey yours strategically,” she says.
As a teacher, Mrs. Behrens values the relationships she builds with her students. "Teenagers are never boring. I am interested in each and every single one of my students, and try to learn as much as I can about them in whatever they’re comfortable in sharing. It's essential to connect with my students and be able to build that relationship with these people that I am lucky enough to meet and work with every year and hopefully stay in touch with.”
Mrs. Behrens also offers advice to her students. "High School is not life, I know it’s your whole world as of now and I don’t want to be dismissive of that as I remember all too well how it feels to be a high schooler and a teenager, but it won’t be your whole life forever and it is a temporary experience. " she says. “Make of that as you will, perhaps that means cherishing certain moments more, or maybe it means really persisting with the friendships you have now as they may also be temporary. Ultimately, you’re gonna continue to change and evolve in ways that might completely surprise you and the people around you, who might respond negatively to such, but if you feel like you’re being true to yourself and moving along a path you think you should be on, then do it, stay committed to it, don’t doubt yourself, and build that confidence. You may not have it all figured out, perhaps College is not best fit for you, and that's okay, just stay true to what you feel like you need to do to be fulfilled and happy and successful however you define that. Try to also get out of El Paso if you can for at least a little bit, it's crucial to experience other places, cultures, and communities. Don’t let yourself feel stagnant and stuck, you’re never stuck.”
There is no doubt that Mrs. Behrens has made her impact not only with regard to her class and students, but to the Eastwood community as a whole. She continues to inspire many with her humanistic and compassionate approach to education and serves as a human being whose moral philosophy should be closely followed.
Her family has a long history of teaching English, and she carries on the tradition with pride. "I come from a long-line of English teachers, including my grandmother, mother and older sister, who have all taught or currently teach English. I initially thought I wanted to be a Physics teacher or an English teacher in high school, but it was my junior year that English truly captivated me. Being able to sort out the puzzles behind pieces of writing and grammar truly spoke to me, and I immediately fell in love. " Mrs. Behrens says.
She also believes in the power of language and literature to inspire and connect people. "I love teaching English because it allows you to express yourself in order to appeal to different audiences and what you can bring into your writing and speeches to do such. Rather that's changing your tone according to who your communicating to or being able to dissect different texts and arguments, understanding how it works and how you might be manipulated and being able to defend yourself in the face of such is essential. It’s ultimately crucial to communicate well and decipher other messages to convey yours strategically,” she says.
As a teacher, Mrs. Behrens values the relationships she builds with her students. "Teenagers are never boring. I am interested in each and every single one of my students, and try to learn as much as I can about them in whatever they’re comfortable in sharing. It's essential to connect with my students and be able to build that relationship with these people that I am lucky enough to meet and work with every year and hopefully stay in touch with.”
Mrs. Behrens also offers advice to her students. "High School is not life, I know it’s your whole world as of now and I don’t want to be dismissive of that as I remember all too well how it feels to be a high schooler and a teenager, but it won’t be your whole life forever and it is a temporary experience. " she says. “Make of that as you will, perhaps that means cherishing certain moments more, or maybe it means really persisting with the friendships you have now as they may also be temporary. Ultimately, you’re gonna continue to change and evolve in ways that might completely surprise you and the people around you, who might respond negatively to such, but if you feel like you’re being true to yourself and moving along a path you think you should be on, then do it, stay committed to it, don’t doubt yourself, and build that confidence. You may not have it all figured out, perhaps College is not best fit for you, and that's okay, just stay true to what you feel like you need to do to be fulfilled and happy and successful however you define that. Try to also get out of El Paso if you can for at least a little bit, it's crucial to experience other places, cultures, and communities. Don’t let yourself feel stagnant and stuck, you’re never stuck.”
There is no doubt that Mrs. Behrens has made her impact not only with regard to her class and students, but to the Eastwood community as a whole. She continues to inspire many with her humanistic and compassionate approach to education and serves as a human being whose moral philosophy should be closely followed.
Another Good Year Filled with Movement
By Lucinda Hardin-Espinoza
By Lucinda Hardin-Espinoza
Ms. Magana is the dance teacher here at Eastwood High school for two years. Ms. Magana is also a former Trooper and teaches future generations of Trooper dancers. What are her opinions about this school? How does she teach and lead her pupils to success? What is Ms. Magana like personally?
First, what was your previous job, what is her motivation, and what makes her students successful? “I was a dance teacher at Franklin High school. Seeing my students improve on a daily basis and just over time. Practice, lots of practice, and consistency.”
Second, what are some conflicts have Ms. Magana dealt with and what has she learned from herself or someone else that she will carry for a lifetime? “Not many which is good. Maybe the feeling of not having my students long enough. I wish I could have them longer in the day. I think just staying positive. I like to say if you wake up and you have a positive demeanor then you’ll carry it throughout the day. Then you spread and you have a good day.”
Then, how would Ms. Magana describe herself and what does she expect of her students? “I am energetic; I have to be, being a dance teacher, loving, outgoing, and fun but I also have a serious side when I need it. To always push themselves to the next level and never settle with what they are doing. Being a dance teacher I always like to see improvement. So, I think that anybody and anybody can improve.”
What is Ms. Magana’s favorite song? “Right now anything Zach Bryan but I don’t know I’m a big country fan. Also Drake, Beyonce, and anything I can dance to.
What does she want 2023 to bring and what message does she want to give the school? I think for me personally, seeing my team Saltatrix just up to the next level. We would love to see grand champs for this year. Just overall, success for the team and my dancers. Just another good year filled with movement! Lastly, thanks for being so welcoming and inviting. Eastwood truly does have El Paso’s finest kids, teachers, and staff.”
Overall, Ms. Magana is an outstanding teacher with great motivation and energy. She hopes to do well with her Saltatrix team and dancers. “Just another good year filled with movement!” Ms. Magana said.
First, what was your previous job, what is her motivation, and what makes her students successful? “I was a dance teacher at Franklin High school. Seeing my students improve on a daily basis and just over time. Practice, lots of practice, and consistency.”
Second, what are some conflicts have Ms. Magana dealt with and what has she learned from herself or someone else that she will carry for a lifetime? “Not many which is good. Maybe the feeling of not having my students long enough. I wish I could have them longer in the day. I think just staying positive. I like to say if you wake up and you have a positive demeanor then you’ll carry it throughout the day. Then you spread and you have a good day.”
Then, how would Ms. Magana describe herself and what does she expect of her students? “I am energetic; I have to be, being a dance teacher, loving, outgoing, and fun but I also have a serious side when I need it. To always push themselves to the next level and never settle with what they are doing. Being a dance teacher I always like to see improvement. So, I think that anybody and anybody can improve.”
What is Ms. Magana’s favorite song? “Right now anything Zach Bryan but I don’t know I’m a big country fan. Also Drake, Beyonce, and anything I can dance to.
What does she want 2023 to bring and what message does she want to give the school? I think for me personally, seeing my team Saltatrix just up to the next level. We would love to see grand champs for this year. Just overall, success for the team and my dancers. Just another good year filled with movement! Lastly, thanks for being so welcoming and inviting. Eastwood truly does have El Paso’s finest kids, teachers, and staff.”
Overall, Ms. Magana is an outstanding teacher with great motivation and energy. She hopes to do well with her Saltatrix team and dancers. “Just another good year filled with movement!” Ms. Magana said.
Algebra II’s Mr. Rosales
Written by: Dylan Hardin-Espinoza
Written by: Dylan Hardin-Espinoza
With so many people in such an enormous school, it is only appropriate to get to know all who are around. With the many staff member positions such as assistant principals, counselors, and teachers at Eastwood, Eastwood is happy to welcome in our new Algebra II teacher Mr. Rosales! As stated just now, Mr. Rosales has just recently come after the winter season’s break, in which he is the Algebra II teacher in room 215 of the main building.
With teaching at Eastwood High School, they must have some qualifications to be able to work at the school itself. Luckily for us, Mr. Rosales is definitely qualified to be teaching students at Eastwood High School. “I went to UTEP university for college. I was majoring in mathematics, and I minored in secondary education,” is what Mr. Rosales responded when asked about what qualifications he has as a teacher. There is quite a lot of importance to someone when it comes to if they are eligible to do anything that requires learning what they are going to be instructing. It is wonderful to know that Mr. Rosales is prepared for any math topics to tackle with students. Whatever the case may be, being ready for something is the best thing one can do.
While there is a new teacher for the Algebra II class, that doesn’t mean the class itself or its contents that will be taught have changed. Mr. Rosales finds it important to remember as much Algebra I content just as much as new Algebra II content as possible. When being asked what he recommends for students who are taking algebra II, Mr. Rosales responded with, ”I say to be prepared to utilize and use all that you’ve learned from Algebra I, but don’t stress too much as most if it is all just repetition.” With knowing this, it can be said that Mr. Rosales definitely has students covered with his lessons.
Like many other people, Mr. Rosales has goals he’d like to achieve. The accomplishments he’d want to happen are mainly focused on his class as hope really branches out when it comes to new experiences. “I would like to at least have seventy percent of my students to pass on average and make an impression on their lives,” Mr. Rosales said.
Even in the biggest communities, it's the small pinches of familiarity that are most recognizable. Knowing that many new teachers have arrived at Eastwood High School, who’s to say there aren't anymore to come along the way? For now, let the tight community of Eastwood High School be even more close with remembering and knowing all who are around the school’s many buildings and many floors.
With teaching at Eastwood High School, they must have some qualifications to be able to work at the school itself. Luckily for us, Mr. Rosales is definitely qualified to be teaching students at Eastwood High School. “I went to UTEP university for college. I was majoring in mathematics, and I minored in secondary education,” is what Mr. Rosales responded when asked about what qualifications he has as a teacher. There is quite a lot of importance to someone when it comes to if they are eligible to do anything that requires learning what they are going to be instructing. It is wonderful to know that Mr. Rosales is prepared for any math topics to tackle with students. Whatever the case may be, being ready for something is the best thing one can do.
While there is a new teacher for the Algebra II class, that doesn’t mean the class itself or its contents that will be taught have changed. Mr. Rosales finds it important to remember as much Algebra I content just as much as new Algebra II content as possible. When being asked what he recommends for students who are taking algebra II, Mr. Rosales responded with, ”I say to be prepared to utilize and use all that you’ve learned from Algebra I, but don’t stress too much as most if it is all just repetition.” With knowing this, it can be said that Mr. Rosales definitely has students covered with his lessons.
Like many other people, Mr. Rosales has goals he’d like to achieve. The accomplishments he’d want to happen are mainly focused on his class as hope really branches out when it comes to new experiences. “I would like to at least have seventy percent of my students to pass on average and make an impression on their lives,” Mr. Rosales said.
Even in the biggest communities, it's the small pinches of familiarity that are most recognizable. Knowing that many new teachers have arrived at Eastwood High School, who’s to say there aren't anymore to come along the way? For now, let the tight community of Eastwood High School be even more close with remembering and knowing all who are around the school’s many buildings and many floors.
Student Counselor Edward Nava
Written By Carmella Castruccio
Written By Carmella Castruccio
Eastwood High School is home to some of the best school counselors in the city, and Mr. Nava is no exception. Born and raised in El Paso, he attended Ysleta High School and attended UTEP where he got his undergraduate degree.
This is his second year being a counselor here at Eastwood. He is very proud of his occupation and finds joy in going to work everyday. “My favorite part of the job would probably be working with students and their families.”, he said.
While there are many things he enjoys, there are also occasional drawbacks. “The most challenging thing I have had to face is trying to balance all the paperwork while also needing to meet the needs of the students.”, he said. However, these don’t affect his willingness to work harder, “If I could choose any career, it would probably be the one I’m in now.”, he said.
Outside of school, he has many favorite hobbies and pastimes that keep him very happy. “I love watching movies, going to the gym, and swimming.”, he said. “I also really enjoy spending time with my family.”
The position has many responsibilities, especially when it comes to dealing with teenagers, however Mr. Nava continues to help as many as hw can with their future and encourages them to strive for what makes them happy. “Some advice for students is that life is short, and to enjoy the process, don’t just look toward the end result.”, he said. “Even when faced with problems, just work on being present in the moment and having fun.”
Many of the counselors here often go under appreciated, even though they have some of the most challenging jobs here. Mr. Nava displayed his care for the students he works with, and his love of his job which deserves a great level of appreciation from the students and faculty.
This is his second year being a counselor here at Eastwood. He is very proud of his occupation and finds joy in going to work everyday. “My favorite part of the job would probably be working with students and their families.”, he said.
While there are many things he enjoys, there are also occasional drawbacks. “The most challenging thing I have had to face is trying to balance all the paperwork while also needing to meet the needs of the students.”, he said. However, these don’t affect his willingness to work harder, “If I could choose any career, it would probably be the one I’m in now.”, he said.
Outside of school, he has many favorite hobbies and pastimes that keep him very happy. “I love watching movies, going to the gym, and swimming.”, he said. “I also really enjoy spending time with my family.”
The position has many responsibilities, especially when it comes to dealing with teenagers, however Mr. Nava continues to help as many as hw can with their future and encourages them to strive for what makes them happy. “Some advice for students is that life is short, and to enjoy the process, don’t just look toward the end result.”, he said. “Even when faced with problems, just work on being present in the moment and having fun.”
Many of the counselors here often go under appreciated, even though they have some of the most challenging jobs here. Mr. Nava displayed his care for the students he works with, and his love of his job which deserves a great level of appreciation from the students and faculty.
Newest Hire: Mary Ortega
By Arielle Vizcarra
By Arielle Vizcarra
With the departure of beloved Corrine Stovall, comes a new era for the Counselors Center. Starting in the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, Troopers are now being greeted by a new receptionist. Her name; Mary Ortega. She is among the many new hires at Eastwood High this year.
Ortega is a patient, reliable, and trustworthy individual. She loves to hike, read, and spend time with her family every chance she gets. They all get together to bond over scary movies. Although she is a quiet person, she is very warm and welcoming to every Trooper who walks through the door. Additionally, she always does her best to help every student and teacher she comes across.
Before calling Eastwood her new home, Ortega worked as a front office clerk at REL Washington Elementary for six years. “I decided to come to Eastwood because I was ready for a change of pace. I wanted something new and exciting. Although I loved REL and it will always hold a special place in my heart, I felt like I was ready to move on to new things,” she said.
Shirin Cordero, one of the six counselors here at Eastwood, describes Ortega in her eyes, “Ms.Ortega is a very friendly, sweet, and kind person. She stuns me with how knowledgeable she is. She has great customer service skills,” she said. “Even though she had big shoes to fill, she has been doing an amazing job at her new position.”
Ortega describes her experience as the new receptionist for the counselor; “My favorite thing about working here are the students and my amazing co-workers. I was used to being around smaller children at my old place of work. Coming to Eastwood, I was shocked by how mature the students are,” she said. “They are so kind and respectful. I’ve heard a lot of the students' plans for their future and it makes me happy to see their potential to change the world,” she said.
Although Ortega has been working at the school for a semester, she has already managed to dazzle not only her co-workers but also every student that has walked through the door. Her kindness, patience, and calm demeanor are the things that make her the perfect fit at our school.
Ortega is a patient, reliable, and trustworthy individual. She loves to hike, read, and spend time with her family every chance she gets. They all get together to bond over scary movies. Although she is a quiet person, she is very warm and welcoming to every Trooper who walks through the door. Additionally, she always does her best to help every student and teacher she comes across.
Before calling Eastwood her new home, Ortega worked as a front office clerk at REL Washington Elementary for six years. “I decided to come to Eastwood because I was ready for a change of pace. I wanted something new and exciting. Although I loved REL and it will always hold a special place in my heart, I felt like I was ready to move on to new things,” she said.
Shirin Cordero, one of the six counselors here at Eastwood, describes Ortega in her eyes, “Ms.Ortega is a very friendly, sweet, and kind person. She stuns me with how knowledgeable she is. She has great customer service skills,” she said. “Even though she had big shoes to fill, she has been doing an amazing job at her new position.”
Ortega describes her experience as the new receptionist for the counselor; “My favorite thing about working here are the students and my amazing co-workers. I was used to being around smaller children at my old place of work. Coming to Eastwood, I was shocked by how mature the students are,” she said. “They are so kind and respectful. I’ve heard a lot of the students' plans for their future and it makes me happy to see their potential to change the world,” she said.
Although Ortega has been working at the school for a semester, she has already managed to dazzle not only her co-workers but also every student that has walked through the door. Her kindness, patience, and calm demeanor are the things that make her the perfect fit at our school.
Staff Spotlight: Cafeteria worker, Sylvia Candelaria,
Brings Smiles to Troopers faces
By Arielle Vizcarra
Brings Smiles to Troopers faces
By Arielle Vizcarra
Cafeteria workers are often overlooked and underappreciated by students and faculty members. However, there is one worker that has caught many students' attention. Sylvia Candelaria is a person who is hard to overlook because of the kindness and interest she takes in students' lives each day.
Born and raised in El Paso, Candelaria graduated from Socorro High in 1983. She went to EPCC and the Austin School of Massage Therapy. She is a licensed cosmetologist and massage therapist. She has four children and two beautiful grandchildren.
She became a cafeteria worker by faith. She used to volunteer at Scottsdale Elementary and Eastwood Knolls. “The principal, Mr. Rivera, saw how involved I was with the students and suggested I should apply to work for the district. Best advice ever!” she said. At the time, her daughter was still in school, so she needed something to work with her daughter's schedule. “Working in the cafeteria was perfect! I had the same days off as the students and I was able to be home in time.”
“I started working at Eastwood Knolls for five years, Glenn Cove Elementary for another five years, and 10 years at Riverside High. In February, I will have 23 years working with The District!” Candelaria said. “I LOVE what I do. This is the best job in the world. It is because of the students that I get up in the mornings. I would not trade it for anything. I love that I get to see the students every day, especially in the mornings, before teachers have the chance to see them.”
“I love getting to wish them a wonderful day. I love to see that they take the time to prepare themselves for the day and unknowingly for their future. They blossom right before my very eyes; it is the most spectacular thing.” Candelaria said.
One of the reasons why Candelaria is so unforgettable is because of her kindness and the interest she shows in students' lives. Ordinary cafeteria workers usually do not say a word to you, but Candelaria is different. She puts in the effort to strike up a conversation with students, even if it is just a couple of seconds. “Every time I walk in line to get food, Ms. Sylvia always asks me how I am doing. She notices the small things about you, like if you got a new haircut or a new sweater. She always puts in the effort, and I love that,” junior, Bernard Escobedo said.
Candelaria explains why it is important to her to talk to the students, “It is important to me that they realize that I see them, not only with my eyes but with my heart. All these students are extraordinary to me. I may not have all the answers, but what I do know is that these kids are all unique and special in their own way. In some strange way, they know it. That makes all the difference in the world. I am proud of all these kids.”
Candelaria is adored by every Trooper who walks into the cafeteria lunch line. She has the power to bring a smile to every student’s face. “I truly believe that if you like what you do, you will never work a day in your life,” she said. It is because of her belief that she continues to positively impact students' lives.
Born and raised in El Paso, Candelaria graduated from Socorro High in 1983. She went to EPCC and the Austin School of Massage Therapy. She is a licensed cosmetologist and massage therapist. She has four children and two beautiful grandchildren.
She became a cafeteria worker by faith. She used to volunteer at Scottsdale Elementary and Eastwood Knolls. “The principal, Mr. Rivera, saw how involved I was with the students and suggested I should apply to work for the district. Best advice ever!” she said. At the time, her daughter was still in school, so she needed something to work with her daughter's schedule. “Working in the cafeteria was perfect! I had the same days off as the students and I was able to be home in time.”
“I started working at Eastwood Knolls for five years, Glenn Cove Elementary for another five years, and 10 years at Riverside High. In February, I will have 23 years working with The District!” Candelaria said. “I LOVE what I do. This is the best job in the world. It is because of the students that I get up in the mornings. I would not trade it for anything. I love that I get to see the students every day, especially in the mornings, before teachers have the chance to see them.”
“I love getting to wish them a wonderful day. I love to see that they take the time to prepare themselves for the day and unknowingly for their future. They blossom right before my very eyes; it is the most spectacular thing.” Candelaria said.
One of the reasons why Candelaria is so unforgettable is because of her kindness and the interest she shows in students' lives. Ordinary cafeteria workers usually do not say a word to you, but Candelaria is different. She puts in the effort to strike up a conversation with students, even if it is just a couple of seconds. “Every time I walk in line to get food, Ms. Sylvia always asks me how I am doing. She notices the small things about you, like if you got a new haircut or a new sweater. She always puts in the effort, and I love that,” junior, Bernard Escobedo said.
Candelaria explains why it is important to her to talk to the students, “It is important to me that they realize that I see them, not only with my eyes but with my heart. All these students are extraordinary to me. I may not have all the answers, but what I do know is that these kids are all unique and special in their own way. In some strange way, they know it. That makes all the difference in the world. I am proud of all these kids.”
Candelaria is adored by every Trooper who walks into the cafeteria lunch line. She has the power to bring a smile to every student’s face. “I truly believe that if you like what you do, you will never work a day in your life,” she said. It is because of her belief that she continues to positively impact students' lives.
Final Salute:
Antonio Hernandez to Retire after 33 Years in Law Enforcement
and 9 Years of Service to Eastwood High School
By Arielle Vizcarra
Antonio Hernandez to Retire after 33 Years in Law Enforcement
and 9 Years of Service to Eastwood High School
By Arielle Vizcarra
Law enforcement teacher, Antonio Hernandez is set to retire at the end of 2022, after over 33 years in law enforcement and nine years of service at Eastwood High School.
For 25 years, he served the El Paso community as a police officer and a detective. Additionally, he worked as an officer for the Socorro Independent School District for eight years.
He was born and raised in El Paso and graduated from Ysleta High School in 76’. Antonio Hernandez is a hardworking person who will stop at nothing to get the job done. On the other hand, he is a family-oriented person who has devoted his life to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loves to make the people around him laugh.
Hernandez explains how he got the life-altering start to his career in law enforcement, “Both my positions were from pure opportunity. Back in 82’, I was working at El Paso Utilities and one day I saw a flyer advertising a job hiring for EPPD. I decided to take the opportunity and join,” Hernandez said. “I completed the training and there I was 25 years later. I retired back in 2006 as a detective.”
Edward Castro, Eastwood High retired Law Enforcement teacher, and dear friend to Hernandez recounts the time he met him. “I met Tony back in 1982 when he joined the police department. That year I was his senior training officer. We were both working patrol in the downtown area for five years together. It is very rare for officers to stay that long together as partners” he said. “You depend on your partner to take care of your back, and he did just that. My life was in his hands and his was in mine.”
After retiring from EPPD, Hernandez got a job at SISD in 2006 where he worked as an officer. “I decided to join SISD-PD that year. I planned on retiring for good from that job, but things definitely took a turn for me when I got a call from Mr. Castro,” Hernandez said. “I got a call from him telling me about a job opening here at Eastwood. He said that he would help me get the teaching job. About two years later, I was finally hired in 2014.”
“I knew that the students would love him, that is why I pushed so hard to get the school administration to hire him and teach at Eastwood High,” Castro said.
Hernandez has been a teacher at Eastwood High since 2014. Nine years later, he is finally ready to close the chapter and retire. “It has been both an experience and a challenge. I’ve learned a lot about life, both the negative and positive aspects of it. Teaching is a big challenge because you must come prepared every day and be ready to teach your lessons,” Hernandez said.
“I never got the opportunity to watch him teach but I can tell you this; his students adored him. I know because I had the pleasure of teaching his students the next year. They would always tell me how much they enjoyed his class,” Castro said. “His students had a lot of love and respect for him and so do I.”
Although Hernandez’s chapter as a teacher has ended, a new chapter of his life has opened. “I’m looking forward to relaxing and spending more time with my wife, my children, and my grandkids. I’m also excited to take some much-needed alone time,” Hernandez said. “I’m an outdoorsman so I might go check out Yellowstone.”
“I’m going to miss Eastwood and my students, but I am ready to move on. It is hard to pick just one memorable moment I had with my students because they're all memorable. What I loved most was watching my students grow and mature,” Hernandez said. “In their first year, they come in with little to no knowledge about law enforcement; a lot of them think it is what they see on T.V. By the end of the year, they can understand it and that always brings a smile to my face,” Hernandez said.
The impact Hernandez has left at Eastwood will be felt for many years to come. He gave his all for the El Paso community, SISD, and Troopers. He has managed to build a legacy not only in law enforcement, but also at El Paso’s Finest. Troopers are lucky to have called themselves a student in his class. Farewell Mr. Hernandez, you will be missed.
For 25 years, he served the El Paso community as a police officer and a detective. Additionally, he worked as an officer for the Socorro Independent School District for eight years.
He was born and raised in El Paso and graduated from Ysleta High School in 76’. Antonio Hernandez is a hardworking person who will stop at nothing to get the job done. On the other hand, he is a family-oriented person who has devoted his life to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loves to make the people around him laugh.
Hernandez explains how he got the life-altering start to his career in law enforcement, “Both my positions were from pure opportunity. Back in 82’, I was working at El Paso Utilities and one day I saw a flyer advertising a job hiring for EPPD. I decided to take the opportunity and join,” Hernandez said. “I completed the training and there I was 25 years later. I retired back in 2006 as a detective.”
Edward Castro, Eastwood High retired Law Enforcement teacher, and dear friend to Hernandez recounts the time he met him. “I met Tony back in 1982 when he joined the police department. That year I was his senior training officer. We were both working patrol in the downtown area for five years together. It is very rare for officers to stay that long together as partners” he said. “You depend on your partner to take care of your back, and he did just that. My life was in his hands and his was in mine.”
After retiring from EPPD, Hernandez got a job at SISD in 2006 where he worked as an officer. “I decided to join SISD-PD that year. I planned on retiring for good from that job, but things definitely took a turn for me when I got a call from Mr. Castro,” Hernandez said. “I got a call from him telling me about a job opening here at Eastwood. He said that he would help me get the teaching job. About two years later, I was finally hired in 2014.”
“I knew that the students would love him, that is why I pushed so hard to get the school administration to hire him and teach at Eastwood High,” Castro said.
Hernandez has been a teacher at Eastwood High since 2014. Nine years later, he is finally ready to close the chapter and retire. “It has been both an experience and a challenge. I’ve learned a lot about life, both the negative and positive aspects of it. Teaching is a big challenge because you must come prepared every day and be ready to teach your lessons,” Hernandez said.
“I never got the opportunity to watch him teach but I can tell you this; his students adored him. I know because I had the pleasure of teaching his students the next year. They would always tell me how much they enjoyed his class,” Castro said. “His students had a lot of love and respect for him and so do I.”
Although Hernandez’s chapter as a teacher has ended, a new chapter of his life has opened. “I’m looking forward to relaxing and spending more time with my wife, my children, and my grandkids. I’m also excited to take some much-needed alone time,” Hernandez said. “I’m an outdoorsman so I might go check out Yellowstone.”
“I’m going to miss Eastwood and my students, but I am ready to move on. It is hard to pick just one memorable moment I had with my students because they're all memorable. What I loved most was watching my students grow and mature,” Hernandez said. “In their first year, they come in with little to no knowledge about law enforcement; a lot of them think it is what they see on T.V. By the end of the year, they can understand it and that always brings a smile to my face,” Hernandez said.
The impact Hernandez has left at Eastwood will be felt for many years to come. He gave his all for the El Paso community, SISD, and Troopers. He has managed to build a legacy not only in law enforcement, but also at El Paso’s Finest. Troopers are lucky to have called themselves a student in his class. Farewell Mr. Hernandez, you will be missed.
Teacher Spotlight: Rachel Mullins, Theatre Arts Director
By Carmella Castruccio
By Carmella Castruccio
Rachel Mullins is the new Theatre Arts Director at Eastwood Highschool, she transferred this year from her previous position as a Theatre Director at Eastwood Middle School.
When asked what the biggest difference between high school and middle school was, she said, “There is just so much that is going on. The kids are very involved, and some creative scheduling conflicts are trying to fit in everything. There are a wide variety of ages, which gives much more access to dramatic literature.” Eastwood gives much more funding and opportunities with bigger resources and larger supplies.
When asked what her favorite thing about the transition is, she stated, “There is just such a warm welcome from admin, staff, teachers, and students, everyone is very helpful.” Many people are very willing to lend a helping hand to all those new to the campus which builds a collaborative work environment for the administrators and students.
When questioned about the most difficult challenge she has had to face so far, she stated, “Knowing when it is time to go home, and when to give me a break.” Many students and teachers alike are having trouble giving themselves breaks from the large workloads.
When asked what she looks forward to for the rest of the year, she stated, “Getting the chance to learn again, and to figure out how to be a Trooper.” The school spirit is very important at Eastwood, and giving a chance to those who are new to the school installs a sense of pride and community among all.
When asked how she hopes to inspire more kids to be a part of the theatre, she said, “By leading by example, and by making sure that everyone knows that it is a very welcoming and inclusive family. As well as producing interesting, and good work that people wish to be a part of.” Mrs. Mullins is the director for the upcoming Drama Club-funded play, Nevermore which is set to start performances the first week of November from the third to the fifth.
When asked what the biggest difference between high school and middle school was, she said, “There is just so much that is going on. The kids are very involved, and some creative scheduling conflicts are trying to fit in everything. There are a wide variety of ages, which gives much more access to dramatic literature.” Eastwood gives much more funding and opportunities with bigger resources and larger supplies.
When asked what her favorite thing about the transition is, she stated, “There is just such a warm welcome from admin, staff, teachers, and students, everyone is very helpful.” Many people are very willing to lend a helping hand to all those new to the campus which builds a collaborative work environment for the administrators and students.
When questioned about the most difficult challenge she has had to face so far, she stated, “Knowing when it is time to go home, and when to give me a break.” Many students and teachers alike are having trouble giving themselves breaks from the large workloads.
When asked what she looks forward to for the rest of the year, she stated, “Getting the chance to learn again, and to figure out how to be a Trooper.” The school spirit is very important at Eastwood, and giving a chance to those who are new to the school installs a sense of pride and community among all.
When asked how she hopes to inspire more kids to be a part of the theatre, she said, “By leading by example, and by making sure that everyone knows that it is a very welcoming and inclusive family. As well as producing interesting, and good work that people wish to be a part of.” Mrs. Mullins is the director for the upcoming Drama Club-funded play, Nevermore which is set to start performances the first week of November from the third to the fifth.