LEADING BY EXAMPLE AND WITH A PASSION FOR EDUCATION

Q&A with Principal Antonio “Tony” Avalos, Ed.D.

Dr. Avalos joined EHS as the Principal in July of 2022. He comes to the School with more than 20 years of experience in education and a commitment to serving the students, faculty, and families in our community. Dr. Avalos earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso, his master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Houston in the area of professional leadership.

Tell us a little about your career path and what led you to EHS.

Initially, I studied hard and intended to go into the medical field. When I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, I considered several paths, but I asked myself, “Would I enjoy that?” The answer was “No.” Since I had successfully tutored my peers in graduate school, it was the easiest connection to education. I knew I could work with high school students and I had mentors who saw leadership skills in me. I researched career paths in education and soon discovered my passion.

How do you motivate people?

It is important to listen to people’s concerns and needs and through conversation identify ways to address them. I have found that motivation comes when people work together to solve problems and find better ways of doing things.

Do you have someone who holds you accountable?

Yes… our head of school Mr. Smith and my wife.

When you walk across campus, what stands out to you and makes you think “This is EHS!”

I feel I am an old soul at heart and am set in tradition. These were qualities instilled in me back when I attended high school. When I walk around campus, I think about the traditions, current and new, that will have an impact on students’ lives and approach to life. The faculty and staff who have helped create this campus and all of its opportunities for students to learn have done a wonderful job ensuring that both students and teachers have every resource needed for students to excel at EHS.

What do you do in your free time?

I try to spend as much time with my wife as possible. We take walks together, eat our meals together (for the most part), try to do something fun every weekend. I enjoy listening to music. My interests range anywhere from jazz to heavy metal.

Tell us about a vacation or trip that meant a lot to you. My favorite trip so far has been our trip to Puerto Rico for our honeymoon. It was great to pull away from the busyness of work and enjoy quality alone time with my wife. We hope to return someday soon to do some of the activities we were not able to do during our first trip.

Have you ever met someone famous?

I don’t know if meet is quite the correct word but I shook Lou Ferigno’s (The Incredible Hulk) hand when I ran into him at an Oscar De La Hoya boxing match. I also shook JJ Watt’s hand at a sandwich shop by NRG.

If you could travel back in time, what period of history would you choose?

I would go back to the year I entered undergrad at UTEP and do things completely differently during my freshman year. Knowing what I know now, I would have entered the education field straight out of college instead of ten years later. I have truly enjoyed my time as an educator.