Tom Ressler, Principal of SJHHS, was named San Juan Capistrano’s Educator of the Year on October 1st by Mayor John Taylor.

The Educator of the year award is given to educators who show exceptional or innovative capabilities in their education fields.

“Tom Ressler is an individual who has left his mark on the fabric of San Juan Capistrano and its youth. He is an innovative and passionate educator who has spent 22 years at Capo Valley High school as a teacher, then assistant principal and in 2008 he became the principal at San Juan Hills,” said Taylor in a recording of the city council meeting which can be accessed here. (When you get there click B2).

SJHHS was recently recognized as one of the best schools in the nation by Newsweek Magazine, the school ranked number 500 out of 2000. “What an outstanding testament in Tom’s leadership and guidance,” said Taylor.

“I am really honored to have been given this award and honestly kind of nervous due to having nine months of school left, now there’s a lot of pressure on me now because of this,” said Ressler at the City Council meeting.

“In all honesty, I thought it was a joke. Then I realized it wasn’t and became really proud, not just of me, but proud of the school. It really makes me happy to know that the school is really respected in the area. Also I know that I have a really great team working here at the school. And basically this is a reflection that we’re doing really well so far,” said Ressler.