With a new school year comes new faculty and FUHS has plenty of new faces this year. And all are ready to join the FUHS community and become an “Indian For Life.”

Agriculture teacher Summer Davis worked at both Norte Vista and Buena Park High School before coming to Fullerton, but couldn’t be happier with the change.

“All of the schools I have worked for have had different climates, and Fullerton is no exception. I’m still getting a vibe for the culture, but so far I am enjoying life on this campus,” Davis said. “I really love the deep history of FUHS, the fact that this school has been around for so long is super cool to me.”  

Davis is eager to be apart of the community on campus. “I am looking forward to getting involved on campus, and genuinely connecting with my students. This year is off to a great start, and I have high hopes that it will continue this trend,” Davis said.

Having been apart of Agriculture courses and the Future Farmers of America when she was in high school, Davis loves being back at FUHS to pass down her experience.

“I have always dreamed of coming back to work in my home district, and when this opportunity presented itself, I could not resist,” Davis said. “It’s so great to be back among my ‘ag family.’”

Assistant Principal Tina Wilde is no stranger to the FUHS campus. “I joined the staff at FUHS in 2005 and taught English, ELD and AVID. In 2010 I became of the Dean of Academic Services at FUHS,” Wilde said.

“In 2012 I joined the staff at Sonora HS as an assistant principal before returning to FUHS as assistant principal of instruction and operations.”

As much as Wilde loves Fullerton, however, she finds it difficult to compare its campus to the other’s she’s worked at.

“I can’t really compare my experiences at Buena Park Junior High to my experiences at the high school level; there are too many differences,” Wilde said. “However, my experiences at both FUHS and Sonora have been great. I have had many opportunities and have worked with amazing people at each respective high school.”

Wilde’s own high school experiences only enhances her excitement over her position at FUHS.

“I loved high school! I grew up in a small town and my graduating class was 56 students. When a major sporting event took place, our town would literally shut down,” Wilde said. “Everyone traveled to the game, listened to the game on the radio or were at the game. It was something like you only see on TV today.”  

Although FUHS is nothing new for Wilde, she still is excited for the new adventures its campus and city will bring. “I love the community of Fullerton and the rich traditions FUHS offers,” Wilde said.

Science teacher Olivia Pipala, like Wilde, has walked the halls of FUHS before. This being her second year teaching overall, Pipala has returned to Fullerton after student teaching with science teacher Christine Irwin in 2015.

“I am having a blast being back at Fullerton and being part of the Tribe! I was here two years ago… and fell in love with the school due to its sense of community, support for the students, and overall family-like feeling it has,” Pipala said. “It’s a rewarding experience to be back and putting in my best within the classroom to teach Oceanography and Chemistry.”

Pipala truly appreciates FUHS students and faculty and is passionate about all the going-ons on campus.

“The students here are truly lucky to be at a school where there is a sense of community and safety, the freedom to choose a variety of electives that interests them and not to mention the awesome staff that works here,” Pipala said. “I am beyond happy to be back and look forward to utilizing my skills inside and outside to classroom to contribute to the awesomeness that Fullerton is.”

This school year Pipala is looking forward to being a part of her students’ lives. “I will try to make it to as many events as I can because I truly enjoy my time spent with the students,” Pipala said. “I hope to make an impact in some of their lives because I wished when I was in High School, I had a teacher who I can relate to and come to talk to when I needed help with something in my life.”

Pipala wants students to know that she gets that high school can be rough and that she’s here for any students who need someone to talk to.  

“High school was a tough time for me because my father passed away while I had crazy health problems–in and out of the hospital. For students who are going through a similar situation, just know that every situation that is presented to you, is an opportunity to show your true character. You can either use the same amount of energy being sad than it is to be happy,” Pipala said.

“Everything in life is temporary so know that the pain you may be feeling will pass. High school is only 4 years of your entire life and there will many more experiences you will have, many will be great and some will not. Keep a good head of your shoulders and always know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”