300 Join in Memorial For ‘Shelly’

  • Sarah Mason Z’berg tells fond memories of her mother, Shelly Mason, at a celebration and memorial for the former El Tejon Unified School District teacher, principal and superintendent.

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    Sarah Mason Z’berg tells fond memories of her mother, Shelly Mason, at a celebration and memorial for the former El Tejon Unified School District teacher, principal and superintendent.

  • An amphitheater of school buses was the backdrop for the memorial to honor former Superintendent Shelly Mason. There was a brisk spring wind on the El Tejon School campus, but also many warm memories of the educator who gave 28 years to the El Tejon Unified School District.

    Image 2 of 4
    An amphitheater of school buses was the backdrop for the memorial to honor former Superintendent Shelly Mason. There was a brisk spring wind on the El Tejon School campus, but also many warm memories of the educator who gave 28 years to the El Tejon Unified School District.

  • Melanie and Megan Simon spoke of Mason as a mentor and read children’s book," Good Night Moon," aloud.

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    Melanie and Megan Simon spoke of Mason as a mentor and read children’s book," Good Night Moon," aloud.

  • Shelly Mason, who served as teacher, principal, and superintendent at El Tejon School and for the El Tejon Unified School District from (interim) 2006 until her sudden departure May 1, 2009 due to health concerns. She died on December 25, 2011.

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    Shelly Mason, who served as teacher, principal, and superintendent at El Tejon School and for the El Tejon Unified School District from (interim) 2006 until her sudden departure May 1, 2009 due to health concerns. She died on December 25, 2011.

By Patric Hedlund

Mourners gathered within a colorful amphitheater of school buses adorned with bright paper flowers to share fond memories of the talented and unique Rochelle ‘Shelly’ Mason on Saturday, April 9.

Despite a chilly wind, about 300 friends, colleagues, former students and family members celebrated Mason’s life on the grounds of the school she loved.

Family and friends presented a loving tribute to the woman who had devoted 28 years to the students of El Tejon School, first as a teacher, then as a principal, and finally as superintendent for the El Tejon Unified School District. She received a 4 year contract in February 2007.

Mason wrote to the trustees in an acceptance note: “We face many and varied challenges… I believe that together we will grow, succeed and thrive. In the words of Gandhi, ‘We must be the change we wish to see.’ With your help and support, I will strive daily to do exactly that.”

Mason fell ill on May 1, 2009. Her husband spoke at the end of the memorial of her 19 month struggle with brain cancer.

Mason was widely praised for her intellectual brilliance, love of children, devotion to her family and her Jewish heritage, her ability with languages and vivacious sense of fun.

A reading garden at El Tejon School is being built and dedicated in her name. When it is ready, the public will be invited to donate books in Mason’s memory.

This is part of the April 15, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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