Meet Nery Garcia
Nery Garcia has been an educator for 28 years. She got her start in education as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher at Longfellow and Van Raalte. She earned her Bachelors degree from Calvin and a Masters from GVSU. Mrs. Garcia has been a principal for 13 years serving Apple Orchard ECC, Washington, Van Raalte and East.
Principal Garcia welcomes calls or emails from parents. She can be reached by calling 494-2425 or clicking here to email her.
The HPS Web Team asked every school principal for the following information.
What do you like best about East?
I love that we have "whole" families here. With grades K-7, I can
watch our students develop and grow. We have a committed staff that
really promotes our family concept.
Thinking back, what is one of your favorite childhood school
memories?
I came to Grand Rapids from Cuba when I was in 8th grade. I knew
little about the culture and even less English. Another 8th grade
girl, perhaps because she grew up with missionary parents, really
took me under her wing to help me fit in.
What teacher in your life had an influence on you?
Why?
My high school English teacher, Mrs. Wymhoff, is who I will always
remember. She had high expectations which pushed me. She'd also
stay after school if needed and I developed a love for classical
literature.
What three words or phrases would people who know you well
use to describe you?
a hard-worker - won't give up on kids - fun-loving
What is something about you that people would be surprised to
know?
That I love to dance the salsa, and (smiling) people will sometimes
comment to me that I'm pretty good at it.
What is the newest hobby or interest area you have picked
up?
Bike riding! I love to ride my bike with my husband, Ed. We even
take our bikes on our travels.
