After 26 years of incredible service at Desert Sands Unified School District and a previous three years at Coachella Valley Unified School District, Ana Garza, LQHS’ office specialist, is retiring on Wed. Dec. 13 and is moving onto the next step in her life: enjoying it to its fullest potential.

Known for always having a joyful energy, Garza worked in the office as a translator and helped students who were in the English learner program. 

Before working at LQHS, Garza worked at Woodrow Wilson Middle for two years and Andrew Jackson Elementary for another 14 years as a bilingual aide.

“The kids here are amazing,” Garza stated. She noted that even though she didn’t get to meet everyone on campus from her office, she enjoyed working with an incredible staff and student body, especially those in the English learner program.

After LQHS, Garza and her husband, who is also retiring, plan on traveling while co-managing their son’s local band, Adrian Crush. “Everyone knows them because they all grew up here,” Garza said.

Garza believes she has left a positive impact on the campus, always offering 110 percent when being asked to provide assistance. She advises students to not be afraid to speak their native languages and to not be afraid to speak another language. “We are learning every day,” she added. “I am still learning every day.”