For the past two years, students at Salida High School have been greeted by the laid-back enthusiasm of Noah Flores, an educator with a deep love for the outdoors and an unwavering passion for teaching and the broader educational community. After three years in the classroom, two of them spent at Salida High School, he has made the decision to step away from teaching and embark on a new path.
Originally from Washington, Flores has always had a strong affinity for the outdoors, which plays a significant role in his decision to settle in Salida. He finds immense joy in hiking, backpacking, and fly fishing, as well as in the breathtaking landscapes the region has to offer. His hope is to make Salida his long-term home. “I would love to stay in Salida,” he noted.
Beyond the classroom, Flores has served as a volunteer firefighter for the past two years, and he plans to continue volunteering through the summer and for the foreseeable future. The prospect of becoming a firefighter for the City of Salida has crossed his mind, though he remains open to various possibilities.
The uncertainty of what lies ahead does not trouble him. For now, he is embracing life to the fullest, taking advantage of the opportunities that arise. Those who know him describe him as a person of outstanding character, kind, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand. It is evident that, whatever path he chooses, it will be one dedicated to serving others. Though his time at Salida has been relatively brief, his impact on students has been profound whether through his ability to make lessons engaging and enjoyable or his genuine care for their well-being.
What comes next remains uncertain. While firefighting remains a strong possibility, he is also exploring other career paths that align with his degree and allow him to make a meaningful impact, whether in emergency services, education, or an entirely new venture yet to be discovered.
For now, he is navigating the transition from teaching with optimism, grateful for the experiences and the people he has met along the way. For those of us who have had the privilege of being in his class, we are acutely aware of the immense impact he has had on many facets of our lives, and we are all deeply saddened by his departure. While his leaving marks the end of a chapter, a new one begins, and SHS wishes Flores the best on his new path.