As many know, last year Mr. Troy Brown stepped down from being Principal of West High to take a new position at the district office. Who has taken his place? None other than former Assistant Principal Zachary Boswell.

New Principal Boswell, who has served as AP for the past four years on campus, has climbed the ladder and is now the head voice for our campus. Boswell attended Fresno State where he received an English degree and master’s degree in education. Prior to working at West High, Boswell was an English teacher at Lincoln High in Stockton.

When asked how he felt about his new position, Boswell said he’s really excited. “It’s a humbling thing to realize…how many students are under our care…We have a really amazing student body and teachers, and I feel truly lucky to be a part of that.” He continued to say how he’s proud of the “positive culture” West displays. Transitioning from AP to principal is more than just switching offices. “There’s definitely a lot more paperwork,” Boswell explained. “In this new role, [I] have to be working towards a vision, a vision that belongs to the whole school. We always want to improve from last year.”

Students responded to Boswell becoming principal. Senior Ayanna Murphy looks at the shift in administration in a positive mindset. “I think it’s great of him to step up, and I think he will do just as great as Brown did at being principal…I’m sure he’s going to bring his own style to the table.”

Other students are unsure of what to expect with their new principal. “The overall greater good of the students” is a concern of Herbie Dela Cruz, another West High senior. Dela Cruz continued to say how little he knows of Boswell, a feeling commonly shared by other students. Murphy commented on the matter, expressing how she hopes her new principal will follow Brown’s footsteps by “going to club events and sport events, getting to know his students.”

Getting to know the school and its student body is an important part of the job to Boswell. He remembers what it’s like to be a high school student. “I was in AP classes and music (I played the trumpet and piano),” he reminisced. “I encourage students to get involved, in clubs and other activities. There are so many people to meet and learn from.” He also encourages students to get to know their administration. The APs and other administration are not formidable figures he said, but “here for the students. We want to hear what you have to say.”

Boswell is looking forward to this new school year. “There’s no where else I’d rather be… There’s no other job I’d rather have. At the end of the day, I get to do the one thing I really want to do for a living, and I think that’s wonderful.”