By Bruce Piekarsa & Kelly Lee
Website Editor & Staff Writer
Attendance clerk Janet Avery, nurse Mechelle Avila and English 3 and 4 teacher Leila Herman will bid TCHS farewell.
Ms. Avery
Avery retired on Jan. 19 after 18 years of working at TCHS and 27 years in the district.
Going into retirement, she plans on spending more time with her grandchildren, traveling to national parks and attending concerts.
Avery spent her last years at the high school in the attendance office working alongside attendance clerk Leigh Cobb.
“We were really close in the office so we worked really well with each other,” Cobb said. “Our work went hand in hand. What I didn’t do, she did.”
Cobb describes Ms. Avery as an avid Beatles fan and music lover. She also enjoyed talking about football with co-workers.
“I’m going to miss listening to music with her, her singing, and joking,” Cobb said. “I think a lot of people didn’t know her how I knew her. Everyday was so much fun here.”
Ms. Avila
Avila began working as the TCHS school nurse in 2017. After seven years, she decided to move to Oak Avenue Intermediate School.
“Before I settled on being a nurse, I was a flight attendant right out of high school, a bartender during college and a legal assistant,” Avila said. The most impactful job I’ve had, however, is being a mother. My greatest accomplishment is becoming a nurse like all the women in my family for the past three generations.”
In the future, Avila plans on retiring from nursing and relocating outside of California. She would also like to travel.
“My favorite memory is my involvement with SkillsUSA for six years,” Avila said. “It has been a pleasure working at TCHS; I’ve made so many special bonds and friendships. I’ll miss all of it. To the students: follow your plans, and if you fall off the path, dust yourself off and get back on it. Everybody has a unique gift and life is a blessing.”
Ms. Herman
Herman, a TCHS graduate, returned to her alma mater to teach for 28 years before retiring this year. Prior to TCHS, Herman taught at Arcadia High School for two years.
“I have a new career and phase of life that I’d love to explore,” Herman said. “I’ve given 31 years to the job. It’s been wonderful, but it’s time for me to move on.”
Herman has mentioned plans to move onto body work. She earned her license in massage therapy and opened up her office in Sierra Madre shortly after the pandemic.
“This has been life for so long, and I’m not quite sure what it’s going to look like once I’m gone,” Herman said. “I’m going to miss the people. Some advice for students, work ethic is very important. Commit to things, give it your all and find what fulfills you, your passion, what brings you joy. Be true to who you are and don’t live up to other’s standards; live up to yours.”