Teaching at DHS is often a journey filled with unforgettable moments. For many educators, the memories are part of their time in the classroom. It’s not always about the lessons or grades but about the relationship they build with their students and experiences that unfold over the years. Whether it’s the joy of seeing students in class, or laughter shared during classroom moments, student’s progress becomes highlights of a teacher’s career.
We asked teachers what their favorite memories of DHS are. Here are a few responses.
Andrea Enns, English. Years at DHS: 10 years
“ Some of my favorite memories are from our English Department gatherings. I especially enjoy the many potlucks we’ve shared over the years, as well as the creative and entertaining games Mrs Dellanno has come up with. One standout moment was the year we played Thanksgiving Scrattergories–it might just be my favorite game we’ve played!”
John Celum. Business. Years at DHS: 32 years
“ Always treat students with respect, because if you stick around here long enough, you never know when a former student ends up being your principal. One other poignant moment is watching 911 unfold with my students on campus– an unforgettable sad day.
Jonathon Shin, counselor. Years at DHS: 18 years
“ So many to choose, but the best memories about working here always involve the others that I work with. Like the time we changed a counselor’s office with a vice principal’s after school without them knowing it. Literally swapped everything in their offices. Hilarious”
Bernice Guzman, Mexican American Studies/ US History/ Ethnics Studies. Years at DHS: 18 years
”I am part of the social science department so I have so many fun memories, believe me! adding items to our social science museum located in room 502 is one memory that I will never
forget.”
Scott Simoni, US History, Government Economics. Years at DHS: 10 years
“My first year teaching, I went into the office to turn in some forms. When out of nowhere two dogs ran in the office. I immediately freaked out but no one person in the office even moved they acted like it was normal I began to question where in the world I was working but 10 yearslater I’m still here.”
Kevin Franks, English. Years at DHS: 9 years
“I miss when the rest of the English Department (I was spared because I moved to Room 222) had a huge unboxing party at the old Portables when the north campus main building was getting remodeled. Another fun memory that came from the academic year was when all of the teachers made custom shop names as if they were diagon alley from the Harry Potter series.”
Erin Tobias, Leadership. Years at DHS: 8 years
“My second classroom was not set up for leadership and project making. It was small and had no sink. We needed a sink, so we improvised with a backyard sink and the hose out the window and drained into a bucket that had to be dumped at least 10x a day also out the window. Although the students hated it, it was both funny and memorable as we prove that we do what needs to be done to get things accomplished.”
Janice Hoy, English. Years at DHS: 12 years
‘’One of my favorite memories was the class of 2010 (Mrs. Pennebaker and I were advisors). They were (and are) such an awesome group, and it was one group of students that I grew to know very well. Planning events with them, going to their academic and sporting events, and baking for them is a memory I will always cherish.’’
Rosellia Cordova-Franks, Chemistry. Years at DHS: 10 years
“My favorite memory is when Mrs. Kiehn and Mr. Franks co-hosted the DHS talent show as camp counselors. We should get them to host again!’’
Tracy Charlotte Teran, Social Sciences and Art Appreciation.
“Room 522 is full of old wooden closets adorned with etched-in initials of years and past student names. My favorite is the geometric ‘85 near the ‘front entrance.’ People often mistake 522 for the cafeteria, so I always have smiling yet disoriented faces who pass by and remark on the odd location.’’
Sandra Herbert, English. Years at DHS: 26 years, long-term sub fall 2024
’’My favorite memory of time on this campus besides interacting with many wonderful and thoughtful students, is teaching at DHS at the same time as my husband who was the band director here for 15 years. We both graduated from DHS in 1975 and then returned to spend most of our adult careers here; what a wonderful life.’’
Nicholas Fernandez, Biology. Years at DHS: 8 years
’’One of my favorite memories was going up to the roof of the auditorium and throwing students egg-drop projects of the roof and watching some gracefully fall while others crashed into the ground!’’
Saul Baza. English. Years at DHS: 5 years teaching
’’Favorite memory witnessing our 2023-24 varsity boys basketball win a division 2 central section championship, a feat not previously done since 1929.’’
Juan Samaniego, Math 1
“One of my favorite memories was just being back on campus after COVID. The year that we didn’t come felt so unreal. I missed seeing students on campus and not on screens.”
Kenneth Brandon, Naval Science. Years at DHS: 6 years
“All of the patriotic ceremonies we have done throughout the years on campus. 911, Veterans Day, and Salute to Service stand out specifically.”
Elmer Guzman, English. Years at DHS: 10 years.
“My coworker next door to me telling the world off as she was tossing out all the pink flamingos that were in her class.”
Fadra Kiehn, Social Science. Years at DHS: 28 years
“I have so many favorite memories over my career, but the one that stands out the most is winning the very first valley championship for boys tennis. The joy on my team’s faces made all the stress of coaching worth it. The boys tried to dump the Gatorade jug over my head, but instead accidentally dropped it on my head, leaving me with a knot. That team will forever have a place in my heart.”
