Hernan Arango, also known as Chapo, has retired as a PE teacher at TCS, causing varied reactions in our community. 

People believe the definition of legacy is what you leave to others, and a teacher like Chapo was one of those who made sure work was being done but also cared about fostering healthy relationships with his students, both for PE and for the school’s female soccer team. 

“I think that his legacy is in part how you remember him, always with a good attitude. He was, like, friends with everyone. But I always admire his balance between being relaxed and funny, making sure things got done,” said Sofia Cardenas, female soccer team ex-member, and 12th grade student. 

One of Chapo’s most vivid characteristics was his friendliness, optimistic attitude, and desire to make PE class an enjoyable space. One of his biggest wishes was for people to take sport and exercise as a lifestyle, and not only an obligation to achieve the school’s curriculum requirements.

“I do think Chapo helped me because he always wanted us to do exercise and told us how we should be careful what we are doing with our life. So I think with exercise, we are helping ourselves for the future,” Emilio Maldonado, TCS senior, said. 

Chapo didn’t only strive for the health of his students and the importance of having an active lifestyle, but he also had distinct views on how to improve his PE class. Most of Chapo’s grades were not based on skill, but on the level of disposition and participation his students showed during class. One of his biggest goals was to see no discrimination and promote exercise as something for everyone and not a male activity. 

“Maybe he would like the participation from girls and men, it will be more combined, because in PE, mostly men play with men and girls with girls, and they don’t interact with each other, because, obviously men are more rough playing around. But I think Chapo would have enjoyed including both genders and having a PE beneficial for everyone,” Maldonado said. 

Although Chapo is mostly remembered as a PE teacher due to his broad quantity of students, his role in female soccer is seen as remarkable by his students. Combining his work ethic with positivity but also discipline, Chapo’s teachings were not only applicable to soccer terrain but also to life in general.

“I think that he has a great connection with them. He has always managed to maintain, a professional relationship while still being close. So, it is important for the connection of the team, that they have a good relationship with the coach, which Chapo does,” Cardenas said. 

The group of students that got to spend more time with Chapo were the members of the female soccer team, sharing time with their coach in soccer training and PE. This prolonged amount of time spent together allowed Chapo’s students to remember him as a happy person, with a memorable attitude and energy. Besides his legacy at TCS, Chapo is one of those people with a constant smile. 

“I will never forget his laugh. It represents him and was very funny. He always laughed at everything,” Cardenas said.