BY JANET RIOS

Art Teacher and Dance Adviser Catherine Julien will be retiring from dance this year after leading the nationally-recognized dance team to many victories. After 26 long years of coaching the Dance-Drill team, she has decided to retire so she can dedicate more time to her grandchildren, however she will continue to teach art.

One thing she says she will miss the most about coaching dance will be watching the kids progress. She loves to see how they improve since she first meets them and she is very proud of them all.

Before becoming a teacher at West Covina, she attended Edgewood High School, went to Citrus College, and then transferred to Cal State Fullerton where she earned her teaching credential.

She is a very hard working teacher and coach on campus. She has always manged to stay on top of her duties as teacher and coach despite working at Disneyland and still having room for creating works of art, dedicating time to her grandchildren, and taking dance classes herself.

One of her favorite quotes is “If I can provide a place to develop the talent of the future, then I think I will have accomplished something,” from Walt Disney.

Although Julien has officially quit coaching, she continues to encourage the team.

“They should never ever stop dancing no matter what,” said Julien.

Members of the team, although disheartened to see her leave, are incredibly grateful for all the memories they have made with Julien and her generosity.

“The reason it’s such an amazing team is because of her. Mrs. Julien has supported many kids who at times couldn’t pay for dance due to financial issues. Every time we perform we will always continue to represent the legacy she made,” said Senior Captain Andrew Elam.