Abraxas Principal Rudy Casciato Retires After 40 Years in Education

When classes were dismissed this week, the seniors at weren’t the only ones saying goodbye to a campus they’d come to know so well.

Principal Rudy Casciato will also be departing―retiring after spending 40 years in secondary education, six of which at have been at Abraxas.

“Day one was full of excitement and expectation,” said Casciato, a Rancho Peñasquitos resident since 1984. “The last day has a feeling of calm and satisfaction.”

Casciato first began his career in 1972 at what was then the University of San Diego High School, where he served as a teacher and coach for football and baseball. He later held positions at , and before becoming principal at Abraxas.

Now, he says his “future is wide open.”

But looking back on his time with PUSD’s only Model Continuation school, Casciato says he hopes to have made a difference—one deeper than the physical renovations that took place under his watch.

“Hopefully, I will be remembered for having a positive impact on moving the school forward, and improving the overall climate and reputation of Abraxas,” he said.

And even though school is officially out, Casciato offers one last lesson to his students: “Look and listen. You never know where your inspiration might come from.”