“Coach” Orlando Vera is Thomas Jefferson High School’s newest principal. Although Principal Vera is new to this role at Jefferson, he has deep roots in the Jefferson Community. Many Mustangs have come to know him as Coach Vera over the years. From 1985 to 1988, Principal Vera taught at Horace Mann Middle School. He also taught Business classes and coached several sports at Jefferson from 1988 to 1998 and served as the National Honor Society Sponsor for two years.

Principal Vera earned his B.S. in Education from St. Mary’s University in Physical Education/Health and Business Education. He also holds a M.S. in Mid-Management from Texas A&I and a certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio. His parents, teachers and coaches influenced him to go into the education field.

Principal Vera wants Mustangs to be involved in extra-curricular activities and community activities during their years at Jefferson. He offers the following advice and guidance to all Mustangs:

“Academics lead to Success! Tradition has always been a big part of Jefferson. It is time to continue that trend! We also want to build leaders at Thomas Jefferson High School and for them to someday give back to the Jefferson Community.”

Thank you Principal Vera for this interview, for joining the Thomas Jefferson High School Alumni Association Planning Committee at our first meeting in June and for serving as a great role model for all TJHS Mustangs.

Contributing Writer: Michelle Resendez Mata '97
Photo Credit: David Segura '67

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