Roy Ghiggeri retires after 36 years as educator

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

When lifelong Brentwood resident Roy Ghiggeri came home from attending the University of the Pacific on a basketball scholarship, he told his father, Emilio, that he wasn't sure the family farming business was for him. That was a big step considering his family owned Ghiggeri Farms, which was the first farm to grow corn in Brentwood.

"Dad said you have to follow your calling," Roy Ghiggeri recalled.

On Thursday Ghiggeri retired from the career choice he made 36 year ago as an educator with the Liberty Union High School District.

As a graduate of Liberty High School and a basketball star, Ghiggeri was familiar with the school's athletic department. When he returned from University of the Pacific he was approached by the high school's then-principal and the athletic director and asked to come work as a teacher and a coach.

He later became athletic director, then student activities director and assistant principal of Liberty High School. When the school added an alternative education department 10 years ago, Ghiggeri was asked to direct that department. He then moved to the district office to begin work as the assistant superintendent of administration.

Ghiggeri said that over the years he was worked to help make several improvements throughout the high school and the district. He said he's most proud of starting the high school's leadership program.

Ghiggeri was also instrumental in bringing the "walk-thru program" where new students tour the school and learn about where to find their classes and programs.

"I'm proud of the consistency that the school board members and the principals have shown to make the students No. 1," Ghiggeri said. "It is nice to work for that kind of top-flight group."

As a partner in his family farm, now known as G&S Farms, Ghiggeri said he'll be changing his shoes and be more of a farmer in the next stage of his life. He is sure that he and his wife, who love to travel, will also continue to explore the world.

A lot of students have passed through his doors, Ghiggeri said, noting that when he started teaching, Brentwood had only 5,000 residents. He said he'll miss having the chance to have his past students stop in and see him."It was a great sign of respect for me when they came to visit," he said.