Not being able to afford to go to college is a reality for many, and this was the truth for Dr. Damien Mason while he was in high school. Thankfully, Mason had a talent and passion for football which got him a full ride scholarship to Sacramento State University and a chance to play professionally overseas. Mason also played baseball, participated in track, and wrestled – part of what inspired him to come back to Casa and coach football, wrestling. and wrestling. He also established a Speed, Strength, and Conditioning program for all Gauchos. Mason coached our very own Coach Weaver, Coach Antonio, and James Forni.
After he graduated from Sacramento State and got his Degree of Science in Criminal Justice, Mason went to teach at Casa (coaching, campus supervisor, substitute teaching), then attended Sonoma State, where he got his Single Subject Teaching Credential in 2004. During that time, Mason worked at San Antonio High School as a Social Studies teacher, as well as a coach at Casa. Mason shows his pride for Sonoma State by wearing a ring that has their motto on it –“Luxmentis Lux Orbis”– which means Light of the Mind, Light of the World. On his other hand, he wears “Fiat Lux”– Let There be Light– the motto of the University of California system.
After graduating from Sonoma State, Mason became a Police Officer for the City of Petaluma. He worked as Patrol Officer, a Defensive Tactics Instructor, and a SWAT Operator. While working for the City of Petaluma, Mason went back to school to earn his Masters Degree in Education.
Mason’s drive to learn and teach inspired him to work as hard as he possibly could. He even went to UC Berkeley to earn his Philosophical Doctor of Education degree, which allowed him to teach at Sonoma State. Here, Mason taught one of Casa Grande’s current teachers, Mr. Markey.
Mason is now teaching at Casa Grande High School, and as he walks around his own high school, he explains how life has come “full circle” for him. He feels he “bleed[s] green, and sweat[s] gold.” Dr. Mason is one of the most inspiring, hardworking, and dedicated teachers here at Casa, and we are very lucky to have him here.
