Faculty Spotlight

MR. WALLY OPSTAD

Born in Los Angeles, Wally attended Budlong Elementary, John Muir Junior High and Fremont High Schools.  He earned his BA at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, and while there, he participated in running track, playing football, and student government.  He obtained his Master’s degree from Los Angeles State University (now Cal State Los Angeles).  Wally taught for two years in El Monte, than became an administrator at Woodworth and Warren Lane Elemenatry Schools, Monroe Junior High, and, finally, MHS.  He remembers his 19 years in Inglewood as some of the most rewarding of his life.  He says MHS was a beautiful school with many of the finest teachers he has ever known, among them Mr. Fontana, Mr. La Certe, and Mr. Marvel.  In 1971, he left MHS to become Principal at Highland Elementary and later Kew/Bennett Elementary in the IUSD.  In 1974 he moved to Poway, California, and in 1990 he opened the brand new campus of Rancho Bernardo High School.  On a personal note, Wally has been married to Nancy (also an educator) for 45 years (in 2010).  In 2008, they celebrated their wedding anniversary in October. Wally and Nancy have 6 children and 5 grandkids.  Two of their 6 children are also teachers.  Nancy is an avid quilter and Wally spends time reading, gardening, playing pinochle, being with the grandkids, and doing volunteer work.  Wally is also part of his own high school class’s reunion steering committee.  His class held their 60th reunion recently at Knott’s Berry Farm.  Wally attended the Mane Event in July, 2008.

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