South El Monte’s Favorite Eagle
Angelica
Staff writer
Since the beginning of SEMHS, Mrs. Ayala has encouraged and empowered students to reach their fullest potential in and out of the classroom. She serves as the school’s Girls Athletic Director, PE Department Chair, Biology Teacher, Track & Field Coach, Cross Country Coach, and former PE Teacher. Mrs. Ayala works hard every single day for the students and the athletes at South.
Originally, Mrs. Ayala planned on being a physical education teacher, but when she was offered a position as a biology teacher at South, she was up for the challenge. Eventually, she was able to teach PE and to coach cross country and track and field. “Track & field and cross country are special to me because I get to see kids outside of the classroom setting and it was these sports that I connected with when I was in high school,” said Mrs. Ayala.
Six years after she began teaching at SEMHS, Mrs. Ayala became the athletic director. The AD position requires a lot of dedication and determination, but Mrs. Ayala makes it look easy. She is humbled by her experience as AD because it has allowed her to “guide the athletic department to a reputable status where teachers and programs are respected by all within the school, community, and outside organizations,” said Mrs. Ayala.
Mrs. Ayala knew she wanted to be an educator when she was in college. “The most exciting part about teaching at SEMHS is that every year and every student brings a new challenge for me,” said Mrs. Ayala. She embraces this challenge because it allows her to be the best teacher and the best person that she can be. One reason that Mrs. Ayala relates so well with her students is because she remembers her high school experience and she understands what students are going through. She worked hard in high school to be an accomplished student athlete.
“My most memorable part of high school was breaking four school records in track and receiving MVP honors my junior and senior year,” said Mrs. Ayala. She wants all of her students and athletes to be proud of what they achieve in high school. Mrs. Ayala is grateful for the coaches she had in high school and college. “It was the physical and mental challenges that these people and sports gave me that helped mold the Ayala you see today,” said Mrs. Ayala. Her coaches inspired her to be a role model for her students.
Mrs. Ayala values the time she gets to spend with her husband and four daughters outside of school. She can be found cheering on her daughters at their sporting events. “I enjoy watching them compete and challenge themselves,” said Mrs. Ayala. She also likes to spend her free time going to the movies and catching up on sleep. Mrs. Ayala hopes to retire in ten years after having worked for the district for 36 years. She plans to enjoy retirement by continuing to have an active lifestyle, going on vacations, and spending time with family.
South El Monte High School would not be the same without Mrs. Ayala. She has shared her advice and her wisdom with hundreds of students over the years. She has helped several students overcome their personal battles by motivating them to never give up. Needless to say, Mrs. Ayala is an unforgettable teacher who has changed many students’ lives. Mrs. Ayala would like to thank all SEMHS students for allowing her to guide them to be the best they can be.
Originally, Mrs. Ayala planned on being a physical education teacher, but when she was offered a position as a biology teacher at South, she was up for the challenge. Eventually, she was able to teach PE and to coach cross country and track and field. “Track & field and cross country are special to me because I get to see kids outside of the classroom setting and it was these sports that I connected with when I was in high school,” said Mrs. Ayala.
Six years after she began teaching at SEMHS, Mrs. Ayala became the athletic director. The AD position requires a lot of dedication and determination, but Mrs. Ayala makes it look easy. She is humbled by her experience as AD because it has allowed her to “guide the athletic department to a reputable status where teachers and programs are respected by all within the school, community, and outside organizations,” said Mrs. Ayala.
Mrs. Ayala knew she wanted to be an educator when she was in college. “The most exciting part about teaching at SEMHS is that every year and every student brings a new challenge for me,” said Mrs. Ayala. She embraces this challenge because it allows her to be the best teacher and the best person that she can be. One reason that Mrs. Ayala relates so well with her students is because she remembers her high school experience and she understands what students are going through. She worked hard in high school to be an accomplished student athlete.
“My most memorable part of high school was breaking four school records in track and receiving MVP honors my junior and senior year,” said Mrs. Ayala. She wants all of her students and athletes to be proud of what they achieve in high school. Mrs. Ayala is grateful for the coaches she had in high school and college. “It was the physical and mental challenges that these people and sports gave me that helped mold the Ayala you see today,” said Mrs. Ayala. Her coaches inspired her to be a role model for her students.
Mrs. Ayala values the time she gets to spend with her husband and four daughters outside of school. She can be found cheering on her daughters at their sporting events. “I enjoy watching them compete and challenge themselves,” said Mrs. Ayala. She also likes to spend her free time going to the movies and catching up on sleep. Mrs. Ayala hopes to retire in ten years after having worked for the district for 36 years. She plans to enjoy retirement by continuing to have an active lifestyle, going on vacations, and spending time with family.
South El Monte High School would not be the same without Mrs. Ayala. She has shared her advice and her wisdom with hundreds of students over the years. She has helped several students overcome their personal battles by motivating them to never give up. Needless to say, Mrs. Ayala is an unforgettable teacher who has changed many students’ lives. Mrs. Ayala would like to thank all SEMHS students for allowing her to guide them to be the best they can be.