Retiring Educator Honored with Mural

By Rob Larrañaga

To some, a career in education might be just that, but to one recent retiree with 31 continuous years of elementary special needs teaching experience, her dedication to “her kids” was most evident.

Angela Romero (MSE 88, BSE 84) lived a life of total commitment to her profession and students during her tenure with the Clovis and Portales Municipal Schools. For her retirement last year, the staff of James Elementary honored Angela with a mural, hand-painted by some of the teachers and staff.

After graduating from Santa Rosa High School in 1980, Angela headed to Portales to pursue her degree and, little did she know, her passion for being an educator.

Standing L-R: Tammy Sharp, Laura Owen (MED 02, BSE 94) and Elaine Walker (MED 94, BSE 90) painted the mural for (seated) Angela Romero.

Angela’s devotion to her students extended well beyond the classroom, and her personal sacrifices earned her great respect and admiration within her profession. She was inspirational to her students to overcome their challenges and rise to their personal best.

Giving up was not an option, for her or for them.

This stellar work ethic was apparent in every task she took on and earned her the titles of ‘Superwoman’ and the ‘Energizer Bunny.’

Angela’s own quest for excellence with her students can most likely be attributed to the trials and tribulations she witnessed her own mother enduring with her younger brother, Anthony. Ensuring their son had the best opportunity to receive a quality education and become a contributing member of society was all Angela’s parents sought for Anthony, who developed Cerebral Palsy as an infant.

Whether she was decorating Christmas trees to donate to needy families, taking student-teachers under her wing, serving at youth retreats, or helping organize memorial celebrations for former students, Angela did so with a love and passion that left a lasting legacy in her students and fellow educators.