Courtesy of Mandy Armes

On the left is Armes when she graduated; on the right is Armes in the present.

As a teen, Mandy Armes made her way through the halls of Saratoga High every day. And for the past 13 years, Armes, who graduated with the Class of ‘98, has helped students do the same as the school’s attendance technician. 

She is also the office’s unofficial hype person, often delivering pumped up announcements over the PA system for students to attend rallies or participate in spirit events. She always dresses for spirit days and is always the friendly person who greets students when they need to check into classes or leave for appointments.

Over the four years she attended the school and during her time as a staff member, Armes said she has thoroughly enjoyed her experience, especially while working with students and supportive colleagues. She is one of an increasing number of teachers and staff members who have returned to work at the school as adults.

As a student, Armes was heavily involved on campus. She participated in numerous clubs and committees including the Drama Club, the Dance Commission and the Rally Commission, all while serving as Senior Class Representative. A passionate member of the drama and theater program, Armes performed in various productions, playing roles such as Rachel in “Rags,”  Queen Aggravain in “Once Upon A Mattress” and Alaura in “City of Angels.”

After graduating, Armes pursued her love for theater, earning a degree in theater arts from San Jose State University. She went on to perform in local productions while looking for work that would allow her passion for acting; eventually, this led her back to her alma mater. 

“I thought it’d be great to work at my old high school. I love working with kids, especially teenagers,” Armes said.

Before working as an attendance technician, Armes worked as a substitute teacher for the school district. 

“Well, this is my 14th year working here, so that attests how much I love it,” Armes said. “I love working here. My colleagues are great. The students are awesome.” 

Since Armes’ days as a student, the campus has changed significantly structurally. For example, since the McAfee Center hadn’t been constructed, drama productions were instead held in the Thurmond Drama Center and musicals in the Los Gatos High auditorium. The building that now houses the student center used to be the library, the present-day library used to be classrooms and there used to be a preschool for a child-development class. 

Looking back on her high school years, Armes recalls many fond memories, from classes to field trips to lifelong friendships. 

“One of my favorite memories was from my junior year, when we took a drama field trip to Ashland, Oregon,” Armes said. “We saw so many shows and did workshops. It was great!”

Although Armes could have chosen to work in many other jobs, she ultimately chose to return to Saratoga High — a place full of memories, fun and meaningful connections.