Athol Wong inducted into VCE Hall of Fame
Athol Wong, former NPHS principal, was recently inducted into the Ventura County Educators Hall of Fame (VCEH). To be nominated, an educator must show exemplary work in the field of education, and work to preserve the rich heritage of the teaching profession, according to the VCEH website. Wong was nominated over a year ago but the induction was postponed from June 2020 to Oct. 2021.
Founded in 2005, VCEH is a non-profit organization that elects exceptional educators each year to honor their work. Along with Athol Wong, Curt Luft and Fred Phipps, other respectable educators from the Ventura County area were also chosen as inductees for this year’s ceremony.
Athol Wong was the NPHS principal for eight years, from 2006 to 2014. Her strong work ethic, positive attitude and sense of humor made her memorable on campus. Steve Johnson, history teacher, remembers his first experiences with Wong during her time on campus. “She involved everyone’s point of view and perspective, and helped us to reach goals together. It was a pleasure to work with her,” Johnson said.
Christie Hodson, an English teacher at NPHS, was inspired by Wong’s attitude and motivating personality. “Athol Wong displayed some of the most resilient, courageous integrity I’ve ever had the pride to witness in a principal. She took the baton from former Principal Max Beaman, and perpetuated our congenial ‘Nice People’ campus culture. She will always be a Panther favorite,” Hodson said.
Being in administration for a public high school comes with many different challenges. While some are small, others seem unimaginable. For Wong, the struggles began on her first day as principal, as a threat of Swine Flu hit NPHS and an evacuation was ordered. Another major challenge Wong faced were bomb threats which caused the school to order evacuations again. “[Max Beaman] walked me into what had been his office, reached into a drawer, and handed me the red ‘Bomb Threat’ folder, saying ‘Here you go!’, and stepped back,” Wong said in her acceptance speech. Wong never turned down a challenge and always persevered, keeping a smile the whole way.
Wong is well respected and remembered for her great wisdom and guidance that fostered the growth of students, as well as fellow members of staff. Athol Wong is an educator to remember. She influenced thousands of students and teachers, and was all around an amazing leader to the school community. “Athol Wong is most deserving of this award,” Hodson said.
