Inspirational Principal

* When I read in the Oct. 17 Valley section of The Times that Pearblossom Elementary School’s Sharon Millen had been named California’s outstanding principal, I couldn’t imagine a more inspired choice.

As a part-time substitute teacher working in six different school districts in the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys during the past two years, I can attest that the children and staff at her school are blessed by her inspirational leadership, good humor and warmth.

Of the few times I’ve taught at Pearblossom School, there was one day last May I will never forget. I was giving a test to a fifth-grade class when the phone rang and my wife said, “This is the call you didn’t want to hear. Your dad passed away this morning.”

I called the office manager and moments later informed my class what had happened. After a moment of silence, I pulled myself together and the class went back to work. Not five minutes later, Millen walked in and said she could arrange to have another teacher take over so I could go home if I wanted. Her quick response, concern and reassurances helped me to soldier on. I decided to finish the day in the classroom, but not before my students and the principal had presented me with a stack of heartfelt sympathy notes.

Millen’s contributions have made Pearblossom School an oasis in the High Desert for its staff, students and their parents.

RICK CHILDS

Santa Clarita