Letter: Grateful for Laguna Teachers and Staff

I was invited to Laguna Beach High School on two occasions this past week. The first was a recognition of students selected by their teacher for a “Breaker Recognition” reception. It was a way for teachers to recognize students for particular qualities deemed notable by the teacher. The event filled the library with family who were invited to share in the moment. My wife and I attended to support our granddaughter, who is a junior and was being given a certificate by her history teacher Shelby Anderson. I was immediately impressed as the principal Jason Allemann took command of the situation to welcome attendees. I was impressed with him as a leader who was intimately involved with the workings of the school in his care.  

History teacher Shelby Anderson impressed me with her motivated desire to make history come alive and be meaningful and interesting to her students. As it happened, we were invited to her classroom, where we became aware of her motivated teaching style. Her classroom had several mannequins wearing military uniforms associated with past military conflicts. During our visit, she explained that the present course of instruction was the Vietnam War. My wife generously volunteered the fact that I was a Vietnam veteran. This led to me being asked to make a presentation to her history class as I was “living history,” something she could not teach. I accepted, and that led to my second trip to the high school.  

On the morning of the presentation, I was welcomed by Anderson and escorted to the school library, where the presentation was to take place. Once again, principal Allemann made a point to introduce himself personally to me, welcome me, and thank me for supporting the students’ education. Once again, I was impressed by how he was very proactively involved in ensuring the best education of students under his charge.  

The school reminded me of a family as quickly government and economics teacher Mark Alvarex, and AP US history Caitlin Brady classes were enthusiastic to take advantage of the opportunity for enriched learning. I was introduced to Jill Norris, who prepared the library with tender loving care to ensure everything was in place for the event. Marc Harris, campus supervisor, ensured that all was well.   

I came away with the impression that the school staff was like a family that was deeply committed to providing the opportunity for the best education of the students in their charge. We are fortunate to have this team educating our students. 

Eric Jensen, Captain, US Navy Retired