When Principal Vincent Lopez first arrived, Gabrielino High School was still being created. Now, as the school year comes to an end, so does Lopez’s chapter with Gabrielino. Lopez will retire at the end of this school year and will not return for the 2026-27 school year. His departure marks a significant moment for the Gabrielino community.
Continuing his legacy of support, Lopez has stood strong with the Gabrielino community for nearly 32 years, taking on various roles such as science teacher, physical education teacher, head football coach, track coach, department chair, assistant principal and principal. His commitment is evident in his multiple roles and in his work helping found the school.
Lopez’s journey began as Gabrielino was being created. At that crucial point, he decided to take the initiative to help shape it. From how Gabrielino’s eagle should look to how to utilize the school colors, class dimensions, culture and classes, Lopez contributed greatly to the creation of Gabrielino.
After forming a strong bond with Gabrielino, he decided to stay with the high school.
“Once I got involved with all those conversations, it just made it really tough to go somewhere else because everything here I helped create,” Lopez said. “It was really exciting.”
Kevin McClure, physics teacher, has worked beside Lopez for 32 years. After watching the Gabrielino community grow and change because of Lopez’s efforts and care for the school, McClure shared his experience working with him.
McClure recalled when Lopez supported him during a moment of frustration and shared a story about grit that inspired him.
“He said students and faculty need to persevere, and through that story, I was molded and energized to pursue what I have always wanted to get done,” McClure said.
Lopez helped found and build the school while caring for the community, significantly influencing staff and students by using his principal role to support and assist others.
His influence and impact reached Kevin Murchie, assistant principal of operations, buildings and sports, who has worked with Lopez for two years.
Murchie drew his inspiration from Lopez, taking the opportunity to learn from him.
“Every day I try to learn from him because he sat in my chair as assistant principal for 15 years, so he knows how to do this job better than anybody,” Murchie said. “I feel very lucky to have been a part of his career for the two years.”
When asked about his biggest accomplishments from his time at Gabrielino, Lopez answered humbly.
“I do not know if there is any one thing that I have done,” Lopez said. “It is just being a part of this neat high school, and I live and die by this silver and navy. I will always be an eagle, and I am just glad to be included in that; being a part of this school is rewarding.”
Although it is difficult to say farewell to a leader who has poured his heart and care into the community, a new, strong leader has been introduced to the Gabrielino community.
Chanda Strom, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction, will be taking over Lopez’s role as principal for the 2026-27 school year. Strom has worked alongside Lopez for 21 years, noting how resourceful, quick-thinking and loyal Lopez has been to Gabrielino.
Strom expressed how Lopez has taught her to develop into a strong leader and apply those lessons in her role as principal.
“I learned a lot about communication with parents; there are difficult things that happen, and he taught me how to best communicate,” Strom said. “Also, I learned a lot from him in this space, in terms of camaraderie and the importance of people around you.”
As Lopez passes down his role to Strom, she shared a heartfelt message with him.
“Please be available when I call, and go enjoy all the things you deserve to enjoy,” Strom said. “You have done a great job, and it is time to do the things that you want.”
As for Lopez, he shared his final message to the community.
“Go be you,” Lopez said. “You need to be who you are, and you need to advocate for yourself, and whatever that is, it brings value because you should not hold back because it can bring forth an inspiration for someone. Everyone brings something. You do not have to be the 4.0 student. You do not have to be the star athlete. You just have to be you; whatever your interests or passions are brings value.”
After leaving a strong impression on Gabrielino High School, Lopez’s hard work will be remembered by the community he helped build.
