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Published on 06/16/1999 All articles from this issue

A special, final year for LAHS principal

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By Linda Taaffe / Town Crier Staff Writer

Los Altos High School seniors bid a special farewell to Principal David Brazer during their June 9 graduation ceremony. Brazer, who has served as principal at the school for the past six years, announced his resignation in April to pursue an assistant teaching position in the graduate program for educational administration at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

Senior Matt Charles told the audience, "(Mr. Brazer) is an incredible person whose passion for life reflected on all of us. He is a role model and an inspiration. I wish you the best of luck. " He honored Brazer with a rose - something each senior gave after the ceremony to someone who had influenced their lives.

A stunned Brazer told the audience this past year was " a very special year for me. I didn't know when I started it that it would mean my last at Los Altos."

He spoke about students inviting him to perform with them in "Death of a Salesman" earlier this academic year. "It was an honor I can't describe," he said.

He spoke about being "overwhelmed" by an article in the school newspaper, The Talon, in which students described him as "a strong leader, a wonderful community member and an approachable and friendly principal."

"I didn't think it could get any better," he said. "The graduation is about the senior class ... there's no finer tribute than to be thanked by students at graduation," he said.

Over the past six years, Brazer has initiated several programs to better promote learning opportunities for all students. He introduced new classes, including the culinary arts program, auto shop and a new performing arts class. He pushed for more advance placement courses and 90-minute periods two days a week.

Brazer described leaving as bittersweet, but said he will look back on his time at Los Altos High with satisfaction.

"I have thought for a long time that I would like to teach at a university level. I enjoy teaching very much," he said in an April interview.

Brazer is scheduled to leave Los Altos High on June 30.