Charlene Chew
Features Editor

After five years of raising Cal High’s leadership program to new levels, teacher Eileen Mantz is passing the torch to history teacher Scott Corso.

After having a baby this past spring, Mantz decided to step down from her position in leadership to focus more time at home, according to assistant principal Dayna Taylor.

“(Ms. Mantz) was the backbone of leadership,” said senior Molly Walker, ASB vice president. “She’s leaving behind a legacy of owning up to our actions and being a leader in and out of the classroom.”

When leadership needed feet to fill Mantz’s successful shoes, Corso expressed interest for the open position and proved he was right for the job.

“It was one of those things where we lucked out,” said Taylor. “We know he’s great with students and passionate about Cal High.”

Corso has been teaching history at Cal for seven years and is very excited to take on this new challenge.

“I love California High School and I think it’s a special place,” said Corso, who also coached the girls’ lacrosse team before stepping down at the end of this season.

“One of the reasons I’m doing this is because working with leaders and mentoring leaders appeals to me,” Corso continued. “The kids I have and coach are amazing.”

Corso will be applying his experience with students from teaching and coaching to his new endeavors in leadership. Many leadership students are looking forward to the fresh take he will provide.

“With Mr. Corso we’ll get new ideas and outside perspective on what we do and how we can improve,” said junior Brian Paniagua, next year’s ASB vice president.

Corso has already begun making the transition into his new role for next year by introducing himself to the current leadership classes, meeting with incoming ASB and class officers, and planning next year’s events.

“I really enjoyed him saying that next year is starting now,” said Emilie Heisel, the current sophomore vice president and next year’s junior vice president. “He’s very organized, outgoing, and seems like he really wants to be involved with his students and the school.”

Corso has already shown great enthusiasm for his new role and has brought a new perspective to the table. But he doesn’t plan on fixing what isn’t broken.

“If we’re doing something right, let’s keep it right,” said Corso. “I’m looking to keep established tradition because our program is very strong from what Ms. Mantz has done.”

Some of Corso’s main goals are to promote the different types of success on campus and build bridges between various groups on campus.

“I see leadership going outside of the classroom, not just being two periods in school,” said junior Stephanie Smith, next year’s ASB president who is already working with Corso. “He is looking forward to getting more people at Cal High involved, not just sports and leadership.”

Corso plans on keeping students’ favorite events, such as Mr. Cali and Lip Sync, implemented by Mantz. He also looks to continue meeting the high standard for rallies.

Some changes include aiming to meet more students’ requests on dances, and opening a student store. Corso said he will be monitoring his students’ decisions, but also mentoring them and letting them take the reins of the program.

So far his upbeat energy has left the current leadership students excited for what they want to accomplish in the future.

“He’s starting things off on a really positive, uplifting note,” said Walker. “I think he brings hard-core devotion and the aspect that success or failure, you never walk away from your team.”

Not only are leadership students expecting a lot from their new coach, but Corso is expecting big things from his new leadership players.

“Work ethic is a big part of everything,” said Corso. “I expect them to be dedicated to leadership and their school.”

With some new players and a new coach, leadership looks to build upon the unbreakable foundation Mantz established.

The classroom structure will remain the same, but the class hopes a few changes will help them achieve their class goals.

“It’s going to be a big year next year,” said Paniagua. “I think we’re going to have a great year with a new teacher.”