The Brains Behind Technology Center

This school year, for the first time, Loara High School can boast that all of its students have access to cutting-edge computer technology.

A 1997 state legislative bill allocating $500 million to bring technology into California schools made the funding available. But Robert Torres, a fourth-year computer science teacher, made the project happen.

“I don’t think we would have gotten this far so quickly without his help. He’s absolutely tireless,” said Assistant Principal Marsha Wagner.

The 54-year-old Torres coordinated how to spend the money, purchased the computers and designed a new technology center, Wagner said.

As a result, the school replaced all the computers in three of its computer labs. Six new computers were added to the library, making the card catalog system virtually extinct. And Loara’s teachers now have access to computers hooked up to large-screen televisions, which they can use in place of overhead projectors.

Facilitation of the new computers and technology center is only one example of Torres’ commitment to education. He opens his classroom doors at 6:30 a.m., allowing students to come to school early and study. He organizes peer-tutoring. Overseeing the Future Business Leaders of America club and running an after-school class and internship program with Washington Mutual Bank, he helps students acquire skills they can use in the workplace.

Torres’ dedication grew out of his own life experiences. He dropped out of school at age 12 to help support his family. By 21, he had already picked pecans in Texas, managed a wool-shearing business in South Dakota, served in Vietnam and ran his own construction company. Eventually, though, he obtained his GED, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Torres said he makes it a point to help all students, not just the outstanding ones: “I always tell them the story of my life. I tell them, ‘If I can do it, you can do it.’ ”

On Friday, Torres will receive an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Hispanic Education Endowment Fund, his second award this year. Although he shows off his awards with pride, he insists that “I’m not so much into accolades. I do it because I want to.”

Judy Silber may be reached at (714) 966-5988.