For Barbara Goleman Senior High School Gators, school spirit runs deep and sometimes, it’s hard to leave “the swamp.” Following high school and college graduations, a handful of Goleman alumni couldn’t resist walking down familiar corridors and returned once again, only this time, as faculty.
Jose Lopez, Sara Yanes, Miguel Arguelles, Isabel Ojeda, Robert Inza, Lorena Cancela, Jeanette Galup, and Ariel Cribeiro are a mishmash of former graduating classes such as 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004.
For some, the decision to return to their alma mater was one planned such as Lopez, who notes that even during his time spent at Goleman as a student, he always wanted to be a part of their baseball team in some capacity. It was a feeling that stayed with him over time as Lopez is currently the school’s baseball coach.
For others, the opportunity and right timing came along to return. However, among reasons cited for why they returned to their former high school, one response stayed consistent: “it feels like home.”
Since the school first opened its doors in 1995 the biggest changes came in the way of programs and curriculums such as the Capstone program and the introduction of magnet programs, the most recent being the National Security Intelligence Academy which is the only magnet of its kind in the county.
The advancement in programs coupled with the alleviation of an overwhelming student population witnessed in the late 90’s have created a focused and rigorous learning environment today.
The dynamics of working alongside former teachers and administration for these alumni proved to be seamless, or as in the case of Assistant Principal Robert Inza, a former student has returned to fill the shoes of the administration. Joaquin Hernandez, Goleman’s current principal, was for many a familiar face, as he had previously held the role of Assistant Principal.
“Mr. Hernandez was my assistant principal back in high school,” said Arguelles. “I appreciate his leadership tremendously. He has a real love for the school and an unwavering pursuit of excellence that deeply resonates with me.”
For others, becoming colleagues with former teachers created a sense of respect missed in youth.
“They are my role models,” said Yanes of her former teachers. “They made me the teacher and person I am today. I truly couldn’t have asked for better role models and examples of this profession.”
As students that have come full circle from walking across a stage, earning their diplomas to a roar of applause to now occupying the seats that cheer on, the alumni-turned-faculty at Goleman have sage words for current students and future teachers alike. “It has to come from the heart,” said one; “Be very patient with young individuals and always cause an impact in their lives,” said another, and “be insatiably curious.”
There is a collective passion shared among the faculty members, one of remembrance and of future hope for the rising graduating classes. In the change that has followed since Goleman’s inception and in the consistency, one thing is certain: Goleman will always be there to welcome students home.