Staff Spotlight: Mr. Penhall

By Christine Le and Kathy Dang, staff writers

With the school year coming to end, Baron Banner was able to catch up with one our school\’s most beloved teachers. Mr. Penhall is an English Language Arts teacher and he is retiring this year.

Baron Banner: So, how long have you been teaching here at FVHS?

Mr. Penhall: I arrived in 1973 as a walk on football coach and was hired the next year. I taught history and English for 36 years.

BB: How has your teaching experience been?

MP: Great. I can\’t imagine doing anything else. I can truly say I have never dreaded coming to school.

BB: It has been rumored that you are retiring this year, what will you miss the most?

MP: Being around some of the really great young people – the students. I won\’t miss reading essays.

BB: What motivated you to become a teacher?

MP: I always enjoyed school and sports. In high school I decided I wanted to teach and coach.

BB: Would you like to share your most memorable moment?

MP: The most exciting times were some of the football games. I coached in, especially the CIF championships in \’78 and \’88.

BB: Are there challenges in teaching English?

MP: Trying to improve writing skills is difficult. Many students take criticism personally.

BB: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

MP: I play a good deal of golf – Reading – I like to hang around the house. I don\’t like projects.

BB: Quick! Random fact?

MP: I was brought to FVHS by a friend I went to kindergarten with.

BB: Are there any quotes you live by?

MP: A John Wooden quote saying something to the effect that true success is doing the best you can.

BB: Thank you for your time!

MP: You’re welcome.