After being with Middle College High School for slightly less than a decade, Principal Damon Voight is leaving to take on a new district-level position.

Voight first became principal in 2017, and he feels that his time here at MCHS was great, especially his connections with staff and students.

“I think it was great, I think getting to work with the best students I’ve ever met in my life, and seeing them work with some of the best teachers I’ve ever worked with, and seeing how much they can accomplish in a small setting,” Voight said.

This adds to his bittersweet feelings about leaving the school. He shared what he is most proud of during his time at MCHS.

“I’m proud of the fact that we increased enrollment and still managed to get enough teachers to lower class sizes. So we went from 325 students in 2017 to 476 students this year, and possibly as high as 500 next year, and all while keeping class sizes under 25 for all of our core classes,” Voight said.

Along with this he believes he has made a lasting impact on what the school strives to accomplish.

“To make sure that the students come first, that we want the students to be safe and we want them to be successful,” Voight said.

While Voight is leaving MCHS, he said his goals to assist students will continue to guide his work.

“What I’m going to do in my new job is to continue to help expand our sports offerings for all students here in Santa Ana, and to make sure we’re compliant with the laws and so that our students get the best of both worlds, that they get to have a great quality education, but also get to participate in great sports programs here in Santa Ana,” Voight said.

Before Voight leaves, he has one thing to make clear for the students of MCHS.

“Pass those classes. That’s all I want to hear. I want to hear that they pass all their classes. That’s it. I want them to go make sure they get those AA degrees, and they get to the college of their choice,” he said.