A beloved local educator made an emotional return to his former campus Friday for the annual “Battle of Roseland.”
Per the Press Democrat, Gabriel Albavera, the longtime principal of Elsie Allen High School, returned to his old gym wearing the purple of his new school—and rival—Roseland University Prep. Albavera was a fixture at Elsie Allen for nearly 20 years before being ousted last spring; he now leads RUP just a mile away.
Despite the high-stakes soccer and basketball games, the night was defined by hugs and “family” vibes, as Albavera was greeted as a mentor by former colleagues and students alike.
The marquee soccer match ended in a one-to-one draw, allowing Elsie Allen to keep the trophy, but Albavera says the real goal remains building a stronger southwest Santa Rosa.
