As the calendar flips to the second semester, a fresh energy is buzzing through the halls of Pacifica High School. While we’ve all settled into our routines, the midpoint of the year brings an exciting infusion of new perspectives and expertise to our campus. We are thrilled to extend a warm Triton welcome to the talented educators joining our faculty this term. Whether they are stepping into the labs, the lecture halls, or the studios, these teachers bring a wealth of passion and a commitment to helping us finish the year strong. Join us as we introduce the newest members of our Pacifica family and learn a bit more about the faces behind the desks!

Master Chief Andrew Lo

   Joining the NJROTC program this semester is Master Chief Andrew Lo, a Navy veteran with a high-level background in operations and crisis management. Although he first set his sights on becoming an NJROTC instructor back in 2004, it was his visit to the Pacifica Drill Meet in 2024 that truly sealed the deal. After touring several schools to observe different programs, Master Chief Lo felt a unique connection to Pacifica’s specific culture and the district’s core values: Prepare, Honor, and Succeed. He is eager to transition from naval operations to mentorship, focusing on preparing students for the challenges of the real world. When he isn’t in uniform, you might find him staying active on the field with a game of Ultimate Frisbee.

Ms. Castro

     Joining the Mariner family mid-year can be a whirlwind, but Ms. Castro is diving into the second semester at Pacifica with infectious energy and a lifelong passion for pedagogy. Her journey to the front of the classroom began as early as the first grade, where she discovered the “rewarding feeling” of helping her peers master their lessons. This early spark eventually led her to CSULB and a student-teaching stint at nearby Bolsa Grande High School before landing here in the Garden Grove district. For Ms. Castro, teaching English is the ultimate “two birds with one stone” scenario, allowing her to pair her love of literature with her instinct for mentorship.

     Beyond the bookshelves, Ms. Castro is proving to be a true “Renaissance woman” with a personal motto of “I’ll try anything twice.” Whether she is training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—where she currently holds a blue belt—or building her own PC gaming rig, she is always eager to explore new challenges. She has already fully immersed herself in the Pacifica spirit, cheering on the boys’ basketball team at Senior Night and attending the Encore show choir premiere. “I love how spirited and competitive students are,” Ms. Castro noted, praising the high-energy culture she has found on campus. Please join us in giving a warm Pacifica welcome to a teacher who is just as comfortable on a Jiu Jitsu mat as she is in a Shakespeare seminar!

Mrs. Montano

     The Mariner family is growing as we extend a warm welcome to our new attendance office clerk, Mrs. Montano. Transitioning from her previous role as the School Community Liaison for Spanish-speaking families at Stanford Elementary, Mrs. Montano is eager to embrace the shift from primary to secondary education. While she notes that the high school setting is a brand-new environment for her, she is incredibly thrilled to be working with older students and taking on this fresh challenge. Beyond just managing the clock, she is genuinely interested in immersing herself in our campus culture and getting to know the unique Pacifica traditions that make us Mariners. “I want to get to know everything,” she shared, signaling her enthusiasm to become an integral part of our community.

Mr. Ruff

The Mariner family is also excited to welcome Mr. Ruff, who joins the Pacifica math department with a diverse background and a genuine passion for education. Mr. Ruff’s journey to the classroom began at age 18, when he worked at a teaching center, where he first realized his potential as an educator. Although he initially explored a career in accounting, he quickly found the field “boring” compared to the dynamic energy of a school. He decided to commit to the teaching route instead. He brings valuable experience to our campus, having previously taught at a middle school in Santa Ana and spent four years at a high school in San Diego.

As these new faces settle into our classrooms and offices, it’s clear that the second semester is off to a shore-bound start. From the precision of the NJROTC program and the logic of the math department to the creative depths of the English halls and the vital community support in the front office, these educators embody the “Prepare, Honor, and Succeed” spirit that defines Pacifica. Their diverse backgrounds—ranging from naval operations and accounting to martial arts and community advocacy—provide our student body with a wealth of new perspectives to learn from. As we navigate the rest of the year together, be sure to give a high-energy “Mariner Welcome” to Master Chief Lo, Ms. Castro, Mrs. Montano, and Mr. Ruff. We are lucky to have them on board!