When presented with the Latino Town Hall award, Sepulveda’s lifelong friend, Rodney Fernandez, said, “Ray has gone beyond being an educator and shown his students life skills,” including responsibility, teamwork and giving back to community.The SPUHS Ag Academy was founded four years; a collaborative of educators, universities and over 70 local agribusiness mentors, the 22 Class of 2001 graduates were collectively accepted to 66 universities and earned over $500,000 in scholarship awards, an amazing achievement for the school which historically has had a very small percentage of students attend college.During his career, Sepulveda taught biology, zoology, marine biology, physical science and horticulture; many of his students won first place awards in the Ventura County Science Fair. The athletic Sepulveda also coached the girl’s volleyball team during the 1980s.Ray is survived by his wife, Catherine, also a SPUHS teacher, and children.
Ray Sepulveda, SPUHS Ag Academy director, acclaimed educator, dies
August 21, 2001
Santa Paula News
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By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesEducator Ray Sepulveda, director of the nationally recognized Santa Paula Union High School Agricultural Academy, died suddenly yesterday while on an Alaskan fishing trip.The Santa Paula Times learned of the loss shortly before press deadline; details are scarce.Sepulveda, a native of Santa Paula and 33-year educator, reportedly suffered a massive heart attack, said SPUHS Superintendent Dr. William Brand.“It’s a terrible, tragic loss for his family and his school family,” said Dr. Brand. “Ray was an excellent teacher and leader. . .a real inspiration to not only his students, but his peers.”Sepulveda had recently been honored as Educator of the Year by the Latino Town Hall, just the latest recognition he garnered for not only his efforts as a teacher but his strong belief that Santa Paula students can excel when given the right direction and challenges.
