BY SHARON SIMBOL
This year’s Teacher of the Year award for the English department goes to Special Education and English teacher, Esther Girion. After forty years of dedicated service as a caring and devoted teacher, this year would be her last before retirement. Girion dedicated the last thirty-two years as a Special Education teacher here at West Covina High School, encouraging and inspiring students every day to live up to the best of their abilities, regardless of their condition; she inspires her students as much as she is inspired by them.
“For the last thirty-two years, I’ve been a teacher in the Special Education Department, helping challenged children who have disabilities. My job is to help them figure out ways to achieve their goals. It’s always really refreshing and encouraging when students come back years later to thank me for helping them get to where they are now”
Girion shares how she felt about winning the title of Teacher of the Year, and her plans for the future when she retires.
“Winning Teacher of the Year is very humbling. I have a strong passion for reading and I’ve always loved English and literature. I always picked literature in college. I’m going to miss always exchanging books with Mr. Moser and Ms. Pelleriti,” said Girion. “I am looking to see where I can help people in the near future. Teaching is a helping profession. I want to always be able to reach out to people. I’ll do volunteer work at my church’s tutoring program in Pomona Public School, and involve myself in traffic-free Pomona to stop human trafficking,” she added. “I’m also taking a trip to Israel, which will be led by religious leaders. I’m looking forward to visiting Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, the Mediterranean, and experience the places mentioned in the Bible,” said Girion.
Girion attended Wheaton College in Illinois where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. Later on, she attended Cal State Los Angeles where she earned her teaching credential and Master’s Degree. Girion’s teaching career began in Merlinda Elementary School.
“I started in Merlinda. There, I began working with kids to build up their confidence until they were able to graduate,” said Girion. She went on to discuss how WCPD Officer Brian Prizzy attended her Special Education class many years back. “Police Officer Brian Prizzy was one of my fourth graders in the program. Together, we were able to unlock reading, and he just soared. He gained some confidence, and I was able to help him. By the time he reached high school, he was out of Special Ed, and worked his way through graduation. won speech contests, got into law enforcement- he’s successful and I’m proud of what he has become.”
Girion shares her overall experience and memories at West Covina High School.
“Of course, I’m gonna miss this campus when I leave. It’s been a great thirty-two years! I’m going to miss the teachers, the students, the Cause Club, the fun of sitting in the teachers’ lounge. I like to laugh with them, and when they get my jokes,” Girion says, laughing. She added, “I’ve had countless memories at West Covina High School. But the best memories were definitely seeing my children graduate here in 2002 and 2006. I remember when they’d be unashamed to visit my class; they’d hug me, and ask for money. They’re grown adults now. Time just flies.”
Girion mentions how she leads in prayer meetings, once a week. She describes how prayer has helped often times in her personal life, the school and others. Her faith in prayer and dedication is admired by fellow staff members.
“Some teachers gather for prayer once a week, at seven. Prayer is a powerful thing. It gives us solutions to our problems. Not too long ago, one of our staff needed a knee replacement, so we held ‘The Prayer Project.’ We were amazed, even the doctor, at how quickly she recovered and got back on her feet. A lot of miracles like that happened.”
Aside from teaching English and Special Education, Girion also involves herself in volunteer work.
“I love playing the piano. I visited a middle school and we’d sing for senior citizens at a retirement home,” Girion said. “I play in a choir at my church. Besides that, I mentor and counsel a prisoner who has no one to visit her. I try to help her out.”
On behalf of all the students at West Covina High School, congratulations, Ms. Girion!
