Homecoming has never felt so sweet for Mr. Saxon

When we hear the word “homecoming,” we tend to think about watching our football team and having a blast at the dance. However, homecoming was originally set up to welcome back alumni to their old schools. This year, we are welcoming RSP Math Mr. Riley Saxon, a member of the Class of 2007, back to TCHS.

Mr. Saxon was offered a job this summer to teach Pre-Algebra and Algebra Skills. Excited to return to his alma mater, Mr. Saxon is ready to make an immediate impact on the lives of his students.

“I have always wanted to come back,” Mr. Saxon said. “I want to be a positive influence and help kids grow academically and in life.”

While many of his friends in high school wanted to leave Temple City and move to the “big city” for college and to pursue their dreams, Mr. Saxon chose to stay local because he knew that this is where his home was. His mother is the PTA president and his sister, Emily Saxon, is currently a sophomore here at TCHS. She looks up at her brother and likes having him on campus.

“It is really nice having someone that I can look up to at home and at school,” E. Saxon said. “He is a very responsible and intelligent person. He is a model of who I want to be.”

After spending his entire childhood in Temple City, Saxon went to Occidental College in Eagle Rock. He then went on to earn teaching credentials in History, Math and Special Education. Aside from teaching, football is another key part of Mr. Saxon’s life. He played quarterback for four years and played one year in college.

“Coach Saxon has made football fun,” Sophomore Justin Liang said. “His positive attitude has transformed our unsuccessful freshman team into a force to be reckoned with over the course of this year.”

For the players, having Mr. Saxon around both during and after school has been a huge benefit for the team. They can watch recordings of previous games and go over strategies during lunch.

“I think having a coach on campus is really cool,” Sophomore Max Clark said. “Occasionally the team eats lunch in his room. He is a mentor on and off the field.”

Mr. Saxon is also excited to reconnect with some of his former teachers, many of whom are still currently at TCHS.

“Teaching is something that I have always wanted to do,” Mr. Saxon said. “This is my dream job and I am really excited to have this opportunity.