Hereford—Ortencia Mendez, who spent 30 years with the Hereford Independent School District (HISD), has been named principal at St. Anthony School, effective July 1.
Mendez began her career as a first grade teacher and spent 10 years teaching and 20 years in administration, according to St. Anthony School spokesperson Elaine McNutt.
A graduate of Hereford High School, Mendez earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from West Texas A&M University in Canyon.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “I began my educational career as a paraprofessional and earned my way up to principal, all in Hereford.”
Mendez said trust and credibility are the foundation for her goals and objectives for St. Anthony School.
“It is the fuel for my vision to provide consistent, empowering leadership and support for all staff and scholars at St. Anthony School,” she said.
A native of Hereford, Mendez and her husband Joe are parishioners at St. Anthony’s Church. They are the parents of two sons, William and Christian.