When an email announced Dr. Astor would not return to UHS in the Fall and would instead take a new appointment as the Executive Director of Human Relations for the Orange Unified School District, many students were surprised, especially upperclassmen who have developed a close bond with him.
“After three years at Uni, hearing about Dr. Astor’s decision was surprising, to say the least,” junior Jane Sorto said. “He was a familiar face in the halls during passing period or on the occasional Univision.”
Dr. Astor’s presence on campus has fostered a sense of community and comfort for many students, who feel he is consistently willing to listen to student thoughts and feedback. Junior Class President Evan Zhong went over his personal experience with Dr. Astor and the kind of environment he has created.
“I appreciate Dr. Astor for being approachable and always willing to listen to what I have to say,” Zhong said.
Since Dr. Astor began his work as principal in 2015, he has been committed to providing an exceptional education experience for students. Over the past nine years, he has built a close relationship with the community here, which he cherishes greatly.
“The greatest joy is coming alongside students and their families during high school which is such a pivotal time,” Dr. Astor said. “I get a front-row seat to watch and support students as they come in a wide-eyed freshman and leave a very different student ready to embark on a journey to impact the world around them.”
Administrators who have worked with Dr. Astor have had the opportunity to enjoy and witness these journeys too. Assistant Principal Mrs. Smock emphasized Dr. Astor’s work to empower students to pursue their interests on campus and embrace their individuality.
“Dr. Astor has created a culture of stimulating competition and success for students to excel and grow at things they like,” Mrs. Smock said. “He wants students to find their place and unique way here and show that there is not one way to be a University High School Trojan. You can find your group, passion, and a way to excel.”
Even though UHS is known for its reputation as an academic powerhouse, Dr. Astor constantly encourages students to go beyond the scope of academic success.
“Academic achievement and high school accolades are valuable but certainly not everything,” Dr. Astor said. “An individual’s success and overall happiness in life will be shaped most powerfully by their own choices and their commitment to pursue what they believe to be the most important.”
In bittersweet sentiment, the UHS community has already begun preparing for the recruitment of a new principal. Dr. Astor will continue his commitment to UHS until the end of this school year; meanwhile, students and staff are hopeful about what a new principal might mean for the school.
“I hope the new principal will also lead by example to help students engage with the school,” Zhong said.
The administration team is equally excited to see what the future holds. With a new person comes a new perspective, and many people are eager to see how the incoming principal will build upon Dr. Astor’s legacy and bring their unique vision to UHS.
“Somebody is going to bring a different history and experience and I always welcome a fresh look at things,” Mrs. Smock said. “Dr. Astor has brought us this far and using it as a starting point, it’ll be exciting to see what that person will bring and how they can weave into things that are so important to us already.”
As UHS embraces the transition with both sentimentality and anticipation, Dr. Astor gives us some of his words of encouragement and advice on approaching life with an open heart and a mindful perspective.
“I believe we find what we look for in life,” Dr. Astor said. “If we look for . . . . the small blessings and all the great things that we receive but might not deserve, we’ll find that. So, look for the beauty and wonder in life and lean in for an amazing adventure.”
