Mira Loma High School Principal Dr. Carrie Jackson (center) joins Octoberfest celebrations at the la Sierra Center. Alumni Association volunteers and friends are Dana Mazza-Youell (left), Jasmin Hoffman, Dan Cascaddan, Melissa Lloyd, Josh Stinson, Francie Axtell and Cheryl Lutz.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - When Mira Loma High School Alumni staged a Sept. 26 Octoberfest, the fundraiser boasted a VIP debut.

The school’s new school principal joined the party. Dirndl-draped, Dr. Carrie Jackson supped on sausages and sauerkraut with husband Jeff Robinson - and 150 alumni.

The couple was especially at home with veteran Matadors. Both once walked the same school corridors.

“I was delighted to be the alumni's guest,” said Principal Jackson.  “Mira Loma was so important for my family (her siblings and cousins attended the school) and in my life. Leading the school is the greatest honor of all. I know how much our alumni group does for the school, so being able to create a partnership with them means a lot to me.”

Graduates of 2003 and 2002 respectively, Jackson and her software-developer husband were not high school sweethearts. “We had lots of friends in common, so we kept in touch after graduation,” Jackson explained. “We didn’t date till we were in our 30s. We’d been part of the same International Program at school. We’d shared the same experiences; we had lots in common.”

With a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sacramento State University, Jackson’s first teaching jobs were for Folsom-Cordova School District. She served as Cordova High School vice principal, before seizing the Mira Loma reins with eager hands.

Former Mira Loma High School student Dr. Carrie Jackson (pictured on the Edison Avenue campus) is now her alma mater's principal.

“I didn’t hesitate,” she recalled.  “I felt service to my own community was the best kind of leadership anyone could hope for.”  The appointment was announced in July and by August, she was back in her old Edison Avenue stomping grounds.  Once a Matador, always a Matador.

At 42, Dr. Jackson is among San Juan School District’s youngest high school principals. Comparative youth, she feels, helps in relating to 1,650 teenagers now under her care. “The students like to stop me on campus to talk about my school experiences,” she explained. “I love it. I’m glad they’re comfortable talking to me.”

The principal is a member of the school's alumni group. “It enables many programs that set the school apart for student opportunities,” she considered.  “The volunteers are part of our school family. Everyone has a huge regard for them.”

The alumni Octoberfest welcomed guests (with graduation dates spanning more than 60 years) to La Sierra Center in Carmichael.  Raffles, auctions and donations raised $6,500 to help fund ‘mini-grants’ that cover teacher and coach wish-lists.

Alumni volunteers also work on campus beautification and assist students with personal needs.

Octoberfest sponsors included: Smart and Final, Winco, caterer Frank Tofanelli (class of 1971) of Flapjacks restaurant.

Learn about the Mira Loma Alumni and Friends at www.miralomaalumniandfriends.com