Turlock High School students began 2013 with a few changes, as longtime principal Dana Salles Trevethan moved into a position at the district office and assistant principal Marie Peterson stepped up to lead in her place.

On Jan. 10, Trevethan sent a letter to parents announcing her departure from Turlock High School and her move to the Turlock Unified School District under Superintendent Sonny DaMarto.

“I will relocate to the district office as interim Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the remainder of the 2012-13 school year to help lead our district’s initiatives,” wrote Trevethan.  “During this time, my administrative team will continue to move THS forward with the same intensity, focus, and expectations for instruction, collaboration, academic gains, and accountability for all."

Peterson will serve as interim principal for the remainder of the school year leading curriculum, instruction and professional development.

“My hope is to continue on with the great strides Turlock High School has made academically in the past few years as well as supporting the many wonderful programs — Career Technical Education, fine and performing arts, athletics — that make our school special and unique,” said Peterson.  “I have worked closely with our former principal... for the past eight years as we're notorious for finishing each other's sentences. My goal is to continue with business as usual at THS.”

A 1991 graduate of THS, Peterson has devoted her life for more than a decade to the well-being of its students.  She began her tenure as an English teacher in 1997 until 2001 when she became a counselor.  In 2004 she accepted the position as assistant principal under Trevethan.

“I am proud and honored to be given the opportunity lead a school with 100 plus years of blue and gold tradition with such amazing students and staff,” said Peterson.