A Santa Maria High School teacher and coach is retiring after 34 years.
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District says Dana Dowell has seen many changes on Santa Maria High’s campus through the years.
“There were no cell phones or computers here in 1986 when I started,” Dowell said in a press release. “State test scores are more important, the curriculum has become more challenging and technology is playing a larger role. The construction has really changed and improved our campus.’’
Dowell taught science, coached baseball and also served as the Saint in School intervention coordinator at Santa Maria High until his last day on Friday.
“There are always ups and downs with any career,’’ Dowell said. “It has been a rewarding career where I made life-long friendships with students and staff. I think many people underestimate what it takes to be a high school teacher. It is not an 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. job. It has been a great experience.’’
A Righetti High School graduate, Dow played baseball there and also at Allan Hancock College and Cal Poly.
During retirement, he says he plans on fishing, attending spring training and spending more time with his wife and two sons.
“We will all miss Dana around here," Santa Maria High School Principal Steve Campbell said.
