WATSONVILLE — In the midst of her work day on Dec. 16, Lupe Herrera was called out of E.A. Hall Middle School’s main office after being told she was needed at the school’s assembly. Students, teachers and faculty were lined up together outside, and when Herrera stepped into view, everyone began to cheer.
After 35 years Herrera has officially retired from her position as administrative assistant at the school.
“I’ve been in a celebratory mood for weeks,” Herrera laughed. “I can’t thank everyone enough for their support and doing all of this for me.”
Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Herrera would eventually move to Watsonville in 1975. In 1982 she landed a job at E.A. Hall, and has been there ever since. She has seen nine principals pass through the school and an innumerable amount of students. Meanwhile, she raised three children with her husband, Javier.
“Lupe is an institution at E.A. Hall,” said Neil Cannon, who has worked with her for the past 17 years. “She is one of the reasons this school runs the way it does; she does her best and everyone knows it. If you ever worked around her you’d know she gives her job the very best. She is going to be sorely missed.”
Herrera said her favorite part about working at E.A. Hall over the years was the sense of community present between the teachers, faculty and parents.
“Coming all together with a common goal — to help and support these young students — it’s just the best feeling,” she said.
Herrera also found it incredibly rewarding to be a source of information for anyone who came by the school.
“Even if it was just giving directions, or advice about where to park,” she said. “I’ve always loved to be helpful, to empower people in any way I can.”
In addition to the Dec. 16 assembly at E.A. Hall, on Dec. 8, Herrera and work friends from the past few decades came together at El Ateño restaurant in Watsonville to celebrate the ending of an era. Herrera dubbed the gathering “a live memorial,” with so many important people from her life gathered in one place.
“It was so beautiful to see everyone there together,” she said. “I’ll never forget such a special evening.”
Herrera’s official last day at work was Dec. 22. Asked about future plans, Herrera mentioned taking care of her health, working on various projects at home, and hopefully traveling more. As a gift, her family is sending her to Las Vegas to see a live Jennifer Lopez show in February.
“My time at E.A. Hall was so rewarding,” she said. “I’m so glad to have been given the opportunity. And now I’m excited to see what’s next.”
