A Legacy in Education

By Valeria Morales

Staff Writer

Meet the Writer

After years of leading our school, our principal is preparing to retire. Wendi Johnston has worked at SOAR for about eight years. Her retirement is significant because she has influenced how the school runs and feels, and her absence will be noticed in our community at SOAR. 

Mrs. Johnston started working at SOAR in late 2018. Mrs. Johnston held the position of principal while leading our school to become a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. She is also credited with fostering an environment that encourages students to be curious and self-driven in their learning. Under her leadership, the school has maintained high rankings within the Antelope Valley Union High School District, while focusing on early college pathways. Isabel Veloz, a junior at SOAR, says, “Even if you didn’t know her personally, you could tell she really cared about the students.”

With Mrs. Johnston as a principal, SOAR has become a school where underrepresented students can excel in STEM-focused classes and clubs. Classes like anatomy, AP-Precalc, and biology challenge students; these classes force students to use critical thinking skills as well, and every class challenges students with public speaking. Mrs. Johnston did all this while still making students feel welcome with simple but thoughtful gestures, such as greeting them at the entrance of SOAR. Delilah Vazquez, a junior at SOAR, says, “Thanks for making the school a better place.”

Mrs. Johnston's dedication to SOAR has made a lasting difference, and she will be remembered as an important part of our school's legacy.