Zayra Hall grew up in Cerritos. She said she loved that her community was made up of different cultures, languages and faiths.
Hall’s mother was an immigrant from Honduras and while her father was a World War II veteran. Even though her mother spoke three languages her English was her worst.
“Translating for her was part of my job at home,” Hall said. It was this skill that helped Hall get her job as a bilingual para-educator.
“I grew up with the best teachers. They made me love school. Today my goal is to reconnect parents to the high school and to increase community involvement in our schools. I helped develop the Family Center for Granite Hills High and the afterschool program with the assistance from community members.”
Q: What do you love to do on a Sunday afternoon?
A: I love to sit and read a good book or go to our local movie theater to see a movie.
Q: When you think of your family, what makes you proud?
A: The list is long, but I will keep it simple. I love that we are there for each other and our faith is the glue that holds us together. I love that we value education and community service. Thank you Marianna Elementary, Sitting Bull Academy and Granite Hills High School for helping with my children’s academic career. Thank you Yucca Loma for allowing my daughters to volunteer in your summer school programs.
Q: Any hobbies?
A: My hobbies are reading and developing projects. At this moment I am working on a project to help Phoenix Academy with their library.
Q: Tell us about your pets.
A: My family and I are dog lovers. Our dogs are all mixed breeds. Two of our dogs don’t add up to be a medium sized dog. Our dogs are really protective and loving.
Q: Tell us about one place you would love to visit and why.
A: One place I would love to visit would be the capitol. I want to visit the Lincoln Memorial. I love American history.
Q: What are your hopes, dreams, ambitions?
A: My hope is for our value system to change. I grew up with old-fashioned values that helped the United States become No. 1. Manners do matter, education is a key factor to success, having goals, and not being afraid to fail. My dream is for my children to have careers that they love and are able to provide for their future children. My personal goal is to continue my education in order to help more people.
Q: Tell us about your three favorite movies. One that makes you laugh? One that makes you weep? One that inspires you?
A: My all time favorite movie is Star Wars. Movies that inspire me are movies where good versus evil and good wins. I love it when the main character is all but broken and they pick themselves up and come out on top.
Q: Tell us about your faith.
A: I am a member of the Church of the Valley. To me being a Christian doesn’t imply pretending to be perfect like some of the media views. It means with my belief in the Lord, the Bible, and classes have helped me develop a moral compass. My faith has saved my life and has built my compassion. I am far from being perfect and I know I will fall, but my faith in God will help me put myself back together — possibly into a better version of myself.
Q: If you could ask God one question, what would you ask?
A: “Did I make a difference?”
Q: What music gets you moving?
A: I grew up with Duran Duran, The Smiths and The Stone Roses and now it’s all coming back. I love those one hit wonders.
Q: If you could change one thing about the Victor Valley, what would it be?
A: Change starts in the home. We need to put a stop to this sense of entitlement. Let’s get back to basics — manners and developing a good work ethic. We need to stop making excuses and own up to our mistakes. Rudeness has become the norm, but it doesn’t make it right.
Q: What’s your best advice for a good marriage?
A: My advice for a good marriage is to pick a person who is your friend. A true partner in life will be there for you through the roller coaster of life. The grass is not greener on the other side. People need to remember what makes that lawn green. Have goals that both of you will work towards together.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say, anything you’d like to get off your chest?
A: I want more people to know about the positive programs Granite Hills is working on. Our teams of teachers have developed the System and Design Academy, State Seal of Biliteracy, ELD Team, and there is more to come. The Family Center was developed to reconnect our parents to the high school system. There I help parents get on our Aeries grading portal, access online lunch applications and inform parents in both English and Spanish about our school. The Family Center also showcases art shows presented by Mr. Pruitt, Mr. Lubbe and Mr. Burnham. I am part of the PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization). I am proud to say with the group of students who participate in our program I have hope for the future. They have an excellent work ethic, they’re well mannered and a positive attitude towards school. We have PTSO students who have been accepted to prestigious colleges and one who just heard he was accepted to West Point. My assistants Jessica Martinez, Megan McCaffrey, Cassandra Hall and Maria Griljalva are well prepared for college and the work force. Mike Valdez and Pryanka Mehta have connected us with sponsors. The Family Center and After-School program are supported by community members who care about helping our students move forward towards a brighter future. Don’t rely on negative rumors about our school. Come and visit our school. Our PTSO students would love to give you a tour and you can see for yourself what makes Granite great. We have dedicated certificated and classified staff that will help guide your student and assist in providing a good environment. We have staff that not only get involved in many projects, but involve their families as well. A prime example is Mrs. Porraz who volunteers her whole family in many of our school activities. Mrs. Korch makes sure each day the school is running smoothly. John Morrell and Scott Barnes manage the upkeep of our school and keep our campus looking beautiful. For more information please go to ghhscougars.com and under parents click on Family Center to see how our PTSO students are building bridges in our community.