She’s a Monarch

New President Returns to Alma Mater—#ShesAMonarch

By Katie Helland - Director of Communications

When Mrs. Latanya (Johnson ’92) Hilton walked up the stairs at the front of the school this spring, she was coming home. In the foyer, she took a moment to remember what it felt like to be a student walking up these steps –excited and nervous for her first day of classes at a new school. Then, she recalled the same walk as an administrator more than a decade ago when she returned to campus as the Director of Admissions. Finally, she took a moment to take in the role she has today as Archbishop Mitty High School’s new President. In her bag was a planner with a faded photo of a smiling 14-year-old girl with braids, long legs, and a Mitty sweatshirt: a teenage version of herself. The photo is Mrs. Hilton’s reminder to honor the little girl she was in high school as well as the many hundreds of students who make AMHS come alive with laughter, song, and learning every day.

“Coming back I just feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude because it’s a rare opportunity,” Mrs. Hilton said. “It’s a very special moment to return to your alma mater and be able to pour back into students all the things you’ve learned throughout the years. I’m deeply humbled to follow in the footsteps of former President Tim Brosnan, who was Principal when I was a student on campus.”

Mrs. Hilton has more than 20 years of Monarch experience in a variety of roles, which include student, as well as Admissions Director, Assistant Principal, Executive Director for Advancement, and longstanding member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She earned a degree in marketing and a master’s of business administration from Santa Clara University, before joining the college’s admissions team, and later their Board of Regents.

“Having attended a Catholic high school and university, I have a genuine respect for the legacy of Catholic education,” she said. “Everything I know about servant leadership, I’ve learned from my walk with God. Now that I am back, I am ready to faithfully lead this community.”

At Archbishop Mitty, around every corner is a reminder of why Mrs. Hilton loves this school. She still remembers where her locker was located, near the statue of Mary by the front office. A stroll down the 100-wing reveals walls she once decorated for Spirit Week. Mrs. Hilton also remembers the magic of Kairos She was part of many firsts for the school, including the inaugural Monarch Madness, held in the school gym, which her class won. A standout vocalist in the Performing Arts program, she was also a dedicated, four-year member of the track and field and cross country teams and still holds one of the top marks in school history for high jump. Today, Mrs. Hilton works with several former classmates, including Mr. Brian Eagleson ’92, the Athletics Director, former teachers, like Mr. Tom Motroni, who stopped by her office to give her a hug on her first day back, and Mr. Keith Mathews, now the Associate Principal, who wrote her a letter of recommendation for Santa Clara University. Her most precious memory is getting engaged to her husband of 13 years on the South Africa Immersion Trip during her tenure as a former administrator.

“It was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives,” said Mrs. Hilton. “And to share it with a class of Mitty students just made it that much sweeter.”

While it is fun to reminisce, Mrs. Hilton spends more time these days thinking about the future. She returns to campus as the mother of a five-year-old and is passionate about future Monarchs becoming leaders who help reimagine the world’s approach to the environment, healthcare, and social justice. Mrs. Hilton also looks forward to seeing the school further celebrate the diverse cultural community that makes alumni proud to call this place home. “I think I’m most excited about our global future and the cultural shift that is taking place,” Mrs. Hilton said. “I am motivated by what the pandemic and ongoing conversations about faith, equity, and justice have taught us in terms of what’s possible and necessary for how we educate the next generation of Monarchs.”

A recipient of financial aid, she remembers taking the bus across town to get to school. Helping students with similar experiences was one of her goals when she helped seed the idea of the Book Scholarship Program, as well as the Romero Program and I AM Camp, summer enrichment programs which support high-achieving Latinx and Black students entering eighth grade, many of whom go on to become Monarchs.

“I just love the students… Being able to see them back on campus this spring was such a joy,” said Mrs. Hilton. “I missed the sound of their laughter and just seeing them be exactly who they are on our beautiful campus. This experience is truly a gift and I am just incredibly excited for the future.”