After years of shaping generations of Mustangs, several longtime teachers and staff members at Yorba Linda High School are preparing to say goodbye to campus life. For many students, these educators are familiar faces behind lectures, assignments, and daily routines. But as retirement approaches—or, for some, as they move on to new chapters—students are beginning to see the stories behind the people who have spent decades supporting the YLHS community.
This year, longtime YLHS educators and staff members Pat Wren, Colleen Hayashi, Greg Walls, Peyton Pike, Jim Hay, Lori Long, Jacquelyn Roberts, Dana Gilotti, and Diane Luxa are preparing to retire, while Val Steinbergs and Coach Jeff Bailey are stepping away from their current roles. They represent years of experience and countless connections with students across campus, and it’s time to learn about them a little more and the last lesson they give the Mustangs.
The People Behind the Classroom
For many educators, the motivation to work in a school comes from a desire to help young people grow. “I enjoy coming to school every day and working with kids,” Coach Bailey said. “Every day is different.”
Others highlight that it was the energy of a high school campus that kept them passionate about their work. School counselor Mrs. Pike, who has spent nearly three decades supporting students, said the daily interactions with young people are what make the job meaningful. She recounts, “The students. I enjoy seeing all of my students every day. The energy on a high school campus is fun and uplifting.”
English teacher Mr. Hay shared a similar perspective about what motivated him throughout his career. “The thing that helps me get up in the morning and come back each day is the possibility of making a difference in the lives of my students,” stated Mr. Hay, who hopes to “[help] someone make better choices in life and [help] them build a better future.”
For others, their journey into education or school service took unexpected paths. Mrs. Roberts, secretary in the Student Services office, began her involvement in schools as a volunteer when her children were young. She revealed that “I originally started volunteering with the PTA when my three boys were at Wagner Elementary School. That eventually led to a part-time position and then a full-time career in education.”
Life Beyond the Classroom
While students often know teachers only from the classroom or office, many staff members have passions and interests that extend far beyond campus. Coach Bailey, for example, enjoys cooking and spending time with family: “My hobby is cooking, I’ve competed in BBQ competitions, but lately my favorite thing is spending time with my granddaughter and spoiling her.”
Mr. Hay also has a variety of hobbies outside of school, including reading and crafting. “I’m a voracious reader; I average two to three books a week,” Mr. Hay said. “I also enjoy whittling, walking sticks, and going to the beach with my wife and great-grandkids.” For Mrs. Long, family time is just as important. “I enjoy hanging out with friends and golfing with my husband,” Mrs. Long said. “We also love going to our grandkids’ basketball, volleyball, and tee ball games.”
Memories That Built YLHS
Many of the staff members retiring this year were part of the school’s earliest days and have watched YLHS grow from its beginnings into the campus students know today. Mrs. Long remembers being hired before the school even opened. “[I was] being hired to help open YLHS while it was still being built,” she said. “We were setting up the office, wearing hard hats, and preparing for the first day of school in 2009.” For Coach Bailey, who has spent decades coaching and teaching, one memory that stands out above the rest is “winning a CIF Championship with my son. [It] was amazing.”
Similarly, Ms. Hayashi, Student Activities Finance Clerk for ASB, said the experience of helping launch the school remains one of her favorite memories. “Planning and opening YLHS with the original staff was the best,” she said. “We truly felt like a family while laying the foundation for the Mustangs.”
Moreover, many educators say the most meaningful memories come from watching students grow and succeed. “The most rewarding part of teaching has been seeing students overcome difficult situations and become the best version of themselves,” Mrs. Pike expressed. Mrs. Roberts also emphasized that interactions with students “on a daily basis is the best part of [her] job. That’s what I will miss the most.”
Looking Toward the Next Chapter
Although leaving the school environment can be bittersweet, many staff members are looking forward to new opportunities after retirement. For Mrs. Long, the change will begin with “no more alarm clock…I’m looking forward to traveling, spending time at our RV property, and just enjoying life.” Mrs. Roberts hopes to spend “more time with [her] family,” and attend her grandchildren’s activities. Mrs. Pike has even more ambitious travel plans: “My first trip will be to Portugal and Spain. After that, there are so many places I’d love to see: Thailand, Vietnam, Greece, Italy, and Costa Rica.” For them, retirement means having more time to focus on the people and activities that matter most.
The Last Lessons
Even as they prepare to step away from their roles, many educators hope that their students will continue to carry forward their lessons far beyond academics.“Your friend group matters,” Mrs. Long said. “Choose friends who push you forward, not hold you back.” Coach Bailey emphasized the importance of hard work. “You can do anything you put your mind to if you work for it.” Mrs. Roberts encouraged students to think carefully about their futures. “Think about who you are and who you want to become,” she said. “Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is helping you reach that goal.” Mrs. Pike offered advice about appreciating the present moment. “Live today and be present; enjoy the little things in life and the small wins.” For Mr. Hay, the message was simple but true: “Make good and wise choices today and in the days ahead.”
As YLHS prepares to say goodbye to longtime educators and staff members, their impact will continue long after their final day on campus. Through decades of interactions, these teachers and staff members helped shape not only the culture of Yorba Linda High School but also the students’ future lives. And while their classrooms and offices may soon look different, the lessons they leave behind will remain with Mustangs for years to come.
