Brenda Pena is not only the Principal at Waltham High School, but she is also a single mother to her two daughters ages five and seventeen. Pena has been in education for 17 years, and she is also a therapist and social worker. She has always been interested in leadership, but it mostly started in 2014 when she was a high school dean. Pena joined WHS as an Associate Principal in 2017 and stepped into the role leading WHS as principal for the 2021-22 school year. 

Pena is a very understanding principal: she wants her students to get help if they’re struggling and she wants the students to know what resources to go to and who to talk to if they need help. “I love working with students and having relationships with them, says Pena.  She loves making decisions and considers herself to be a hands-on leader. She is proud of the solid leadership team at WHS and loves working with her team, the Associate Principals.She“I love working with students and having relationships with them, says Pena.  She enjoys making decisions and considers herself to be a hands-on leader. She is proud of the solid leadership team at WHS and working collaboratively with her team, the Associate Principals. 

Pena loves the community she works in and says, “Waltham is pretty much home for me.” 

She also knows how to balance her family life and school life. For example, on days her daughters have a competition and there is a school function, she makes sure she can make it to both and makes time to make it to both. She brings this work/life balance awareness to her vision as Principal, sharing that “mental health challenges are on the rise in our community, home-related stress and so many issues are very challenging. She wants to support students and help them access resources.”

Dr. Robert Lyons joined WHS this year to fill the Associate Principal opening created when Pena moved into her role as Principal. Lyons is a dad of four and he teaches college courses on the side. Lyons is very approachable, he initiates conversations with students in the hallways and at the house office, he is a great person to talk to. Lyons also grew up in Waltham and graduated from Waltham High School. Lyons wants to see his students grow into adults, graduate, and overcome their problems. He thinks the students should get involved with programs, clubs, sports!! Do anything you can!

Lyons is the head of the freshman council, he says he wants the freshman voices to be heard. Lyons wants the students to meet new people, and start on leadership, and learn how to be leaders.