The start of each new school year brings new faces to campus — new students, new teachers, and new administrators, like Hillary Herrington.
Herrington was appointed to the position of assistant principal by the Brea Olinda Unified School District (BOUSD) in April.
Prior to BOHS, Herrington served as assistant principal at East Los Angeles’s Garfield High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Herrington led many programs and initiatives, such as promoting mental health awareness and co-leading Garfield to a California Distinguished School recognition.
Before her promotion to assistant principal, Herrington served as Garfield’s Title 1 coordinator, leading the English Learning and Intervention programs.
After graduating from Downey High School. Herrington attended California State University, Fullerton where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Studies in 2004, and Master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and School Leadership in 2006. She began her career in education as a sixth grade teacher at Hollenbeck Middle School in Los Angeles.
To get to know BOHS’s newest assistant principal better, the Wildcat asked Herrington 20 questions.
The Wildcat: What is your favorite sports team?
Hillary Herrington: The Dallas Cowboys. I was born in Dallas and grew up when they were winning Super Bowls. (That’s not happening at the moment, but I am hopeful.)
W: Who are some of your role models and personal heroes?
HH: My mom and grandmother. They both overcame obstacles, but also recognized the importance of getting a good education.
W: What would BOHS students be surprised to know about you?
HH: I think some kids may be surprised that I speak Spanish and sometimes I can speak “teen.” The students at BOHS have a lot of rizz, no cap.
W: What are some of your hobbies?
HH: Shopping, gardening, and spending time with my kids.
W: What songs do you listen to get hyped for work?
HH: Any music really makes me hyped, but “Baby” by Justin Bieber, or “Yeah” by Usher, can really help me get ready for the day.
W: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
HH: Probably sushi, but I would also need dessert.
W: What is your favorite movie?
HH: My favorite movie is the original Shrek. The release date was 2001. Go watch this black and white film. (jk, it’s not)
W: First, best, and most recent concert?
HH: My first concert was Mana with my older sister in 1999. Best concert was Outside Lands (where many artists performed). Most recent concert [was] Mariah Carey.
W: A favorite quote?
HH: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” by Dr. Maya Angelou.
W: What is your favorite book, and why?
HH: Fahrenheit 451 [by Ray Bradbury]. There are so many parallels to what is happening in our world today, and many life lessons.
W: What is your favorite travel memory?
HH: When I took my kids to the Galapagos Islands. My mom grew up on the islands and I still have a lot of family there. The animals, like the tortoise and iguanas, are so unreal to see in real life.
W: What is your go-to karaoke song?
HH: I’ll give you a hint: “At first I was afraid, I was petrified…”
W: What subject did you excel in in high school?
HH: I excelled in math, but I ended up teaching high school English. This just goes to show that anything is possible.
W: Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, or Ariana Grande?
HH: Why is Selena Quintanilla not on this list?
W: What do you most enjoy doing on the weekends?
HH: I enjoy relaxing and spending time with my kids on the weekend.
W: What inspired you to become an educator?
HH: I was inspired to be an educator when I supported an after-school program while going to college. I connected with the kids and enjoyed what I did. This is something I strongly believe in. (Love what you do!)
W: Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or Magic Mountain?
HH: Hands down, Disneyland.
W: What is your favorite show to binge-watch?
HH: I don’t really binge-watch any shows but I do love true crime documentaries. I’m a pretty good detective if I say so myself: I always guess right.
W: What advice do you have for our student body as we start a new school year?
HH: Live in the moment. It’s so easy for all of us be glued to a screen and unaware of what is happening around us. Enjoy this short time because soon you will be an adult and miss these days.
W: What is your favorite thing so far in your role as assistant principal of BOHS?
HH: Definitely meeting everyone that is part of the school community. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive in my transition. I feel honored to be here.
