High schools are lively, demanding spaces, with a complex network of students, teachers, and support staff working in coordination each day. Among the many faces that keep Pace High School running smoothly, Ms. Miranda — plays a quietly essential role. Many students know her as “Ms. Y. Miranda”, but her role has gone way beyond being one of the people working in the main office. Since the school first opened its doors in 2004, Ms.Miranda has been part of Pace’s history and its heart, handling key responsibilities in a way that has earned her a reputation as an approachable and reassuring figure in the building.
Ms. Miranda’s work includes a variety of tasks that, while often behind the scenes, are essential to students’ daily lives. She is in charge of record-keeping, OMNY card distribution, student record requests, address updates, and other data entry. These tasks may seem routine, but they enable students to access resources they rely on — whether it’s making sure their commute is manageable or ensuring that their records are accurate for transfers and personal needs. Each task she completes builds a foundation for a well-organized school, making the educational environment at Pace smoother and more accessible for everyone.
Her time at Pace began with the school’s very beginning, and she recalls those early days with a smile. “We really didn’t know how to work the whole thing,” she shares. “We all had to do more than one job; we were just beginning with everything.” Those initial years were a learning curve for everyone, and Ms. Miranda’s adaptable spirit helped set the tone for Pace’s close-knit, resilient environment. Her willingness to take on extra roles and her understanding attitude helped ease the school community into routines that are now second nature.
Being apart of a wide variety of a team that is responsible for the school’s success, her approach has certainly added a comforting presence to Pace High’s fast-paced environment. Ms. Miranda has calmly talked many students through difficult situations, including a student who is now a senior – who often had panic attacks during the rising pressure of junior year. Students who may feel overwhelmed by administrative tasks or new school processes find a reassuring figure in Ms. Miranda. Her desk often becomes a refuge for students seeking help with an OMNY card, a question about their records, or simply a kind face to help them navigate their day.
Ms. Miranda’s role may be just one piece of the larger network of support at Pace High School, but it’s an important one. Her steadfast commitment to her work and to the students has earned her the trust of the community. While she’s not alone in making the school function, her unique contribution provides a touch of consistency and care that resonates with everyone she meets. In many ways, Ms.Miranda represents the dedication of all the staff at Pace High, each one working in their own way to ensure that students have the resources and support they need to succeed.