Longtime educator and community leader Midge James was honored as Menifee’s Citizen of the Month during the June 17 City Council meeting.
James has spent decades serving Menifee students as a teacher, administrator and principal within the Menifee Union School District. She also helped open several district campuses and later served as principal of Santa Rosa Academy. Today, she continues her service as a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Inland Valley.
During the presentation, council members shared personal stories about the impact James has had on generations of families throughout Menifee.
“Over the decades, you’ve been a fixture of the community. You’ve touched so many children’s and families’ lives as a teacher,” Councilman Ben Diederich said. “You didn’t just teach your kids; you created the environment for them to be taught. It’s an honor and a pleasure to give you this recognition.”
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin recalled James’ leadership as principal of Ridgemoor Elementary School when his children attended the school.
“You really fostered a sense of community on that campus that permeated through the rest of the district,” Karwin said.
Mayor Ricky Estrada noted that James was his first principal.
“You’ve touched so many souls over all the decades you’ve been in education, including mine,” Estrada said. “I just want to say thank you for making the City of Menifee a great place to live for all of our families and all of our children.”
James thanked her family, friends and pastor, who attended the meeting.
“It’s been my pleasure to be here and have a career in something that I love,” she said. “I will continue until I can’t do it anymore.”
