Answering phone calls, processing work orders, organizing substitutes and managing administrative schedules are just some of the duties Secretary Vallen Queen oversees on a daily basis. Now, after 26 years of dedicated service, Queen is retiring from Palo Alto High School.

Initially beginning her Paly career with a role in the library, Queen later transitioned to secretarial work in the main office where she has been ever since.

“I’ve worked at Paly since 1999, and I started in the library,” Queen said. “Then they needed someone here in the front office, and the person who was leaving that position thought I would make a good candidate, so I applied for the job. I’ve been doing that [secretarial work] since 2000.”

Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson says that Queen always makes sure that students feel comfortable.

“She has always been so kid-oriented,” Berkson said. “Whether it’s the shyest kid, or a kid having some sort of issues, … she was always a go-to person for someone to connect with who might not connect with other adults.”

In addition to the many tasks she juggles, Queen has dedicated herself to taking a proactive role in serving the Paly community.

“I bring in treats every week to stock the snack boxes,” Queen said. “Before, we didn’t have free lunches and free breakfast, so I used to do breakfast for a lot of people … every day.”

Queen says her favorite part of working at Paly has been her interaction with students.

“The most rewarding part is the kids,” Queen said. “Some of them I still keep in touch with from 25 years ago. That’s the best part. That’s what has kept me here.”

She hopes that students will continue to receive the same level of assistance and support she has tried to provide.

“I think people [staff members] can get caught up in all the things they have to do, and they’re busy, and I just would like people to continue making kids their first priority,” Queen said.