Temescal Canyon 2012: A Class To Remember

Temescal Canyon High School’s class of 2012 will hold a special place in the minds of three Lake Elsinore Unified School District officials who, for the last time, oversaw a graduation.

During the school’s commencement ceremony Wednesday night at The Diamond, it was announced that principal Errol Garnett is leaving the Titan campus to become director of personnel for the Alvord Unified School District. Additionally, Wednesday night marked the last graduation ceremony as LEUSD officials for Superintendent Dr. Frank Passarella and governing board member Jeanie Corral -- both are retiring this year after long service with the district.

The Temescal Canyon High School graduation was the final LEUSD commencement ceremony this week. ; ; and .

Garnett’s departure was news for the Temescal Canyon class of 2012. During Wednesday night’s ceremony, Dr. Passarella honored the principal and thanked him for his service.

“It was my pleasure 5 years ago to hire Mr. Garnett. We are absolutely devastated to see him go,” Dr. Passarella said.

Following the superintendent’s words, more than 450 graduating seniors donning royal blue caps and gowns paid tribute to their principal with a standing ovation.

Prior to the public announcement, Garnett told Patch that Wednesday’s graduation ceremony was not about him. True to his word, immediately following news of his departure the always-jovial principal quickly directed attention back to his students.

In a brief interview Garnett said the class of 2012 was special and he knew it four years ago when they entered his school as freshmen. He pointed out that 38 students turned out to be this year’s valedictorians.

“Not a bad day at the office,” Garnett said.

Corral also reflected on Titan character Wednesday night during a brief interview. For 48 years, she has served the district as a volunteer and an elected official. She was first voted to the board in 1988, and watched the construction of Temescal Canyon High School more than 20 years ago.

“The Titans are special … not better, just great,” she said, noting that Temescal Canyon was the first LEUSD high school to hold graduation at The Diamond.

Corral became emotional when asked what she will miss most about serving the district and its students.

“My life has been schools,” she said, her eyes welling with tears.

Dr. Passarella said the finality of his retirement was setting in Wednesday night as well, although he will watch future Titans graduate when his son, who currently attends TCHS, walks with his class.

He praised the 2012 graduates, and commended staff on a job well done.

The Titan’s Associated Student Body president Kurtis Clements said his class’s achievements were of no surprise to him. Reflecting back on his freshman year, the honor student told Wednesday’s audience, “Mediocrity would not be an option for this class.”