About us - The Aztec Hut

Hey there! I’m James. I’m a Coptic Christian and triplet. Outside of my free time I like to build apps that benefit society. Specifically, screen time apps. Here at Esperanza, I’m also a member on the Tennis Team, NHS, Distinguished Scholar, and Key Club. I have 1 brother and 2 sisters, and love to go camping with my family.

I am the current President of The Aztec Hut. In June of 2024, we were no longer a club, but a nonprofit charity. Before we existed, there was no where on campus where students can go to learn about business or entrepreneurship. My goal is to help members of this charity learn useful entrepreneurial skills while building our scholarship fund together.

I'm Payton Farrell and I enjoy business and competition. I started my own car wash business when I was in 6th grade and still continue it to this day. At Esperanza High School I participate in cross country, track, and I’m part of ASB. I am excited that I’m part of what was a club that Mr. Woodward and James started for kids who enjoy business, but now it’s more than a club it’s a nonprofit that offers students clothes and school merch which make students feel more involved with school and then the nonprofit gives money away so students can attend college. Some other things I enjoy doing is investing in stocks and doing research about individual companies.

Hello, my name is Mark and I am a junior at EHS. I joined the Aztec Hut because of my passion for creating a successful startup, which didn’t happen until I joined. I’m also a member of the tennis team, NHS, Distinguished Scholar, and Key Club.  As the current treasurer, I make budgets and track finances. I also plan on finding ways for the business to create profit and expand. I would love to grow this business and continue after I graduate.

I enjoy all subjects in school because I like learning. In my free time, I do various computer science (cs) projects. I've been in cs for nearly half a decade, which has taught me creativity and perseverance.

Hi! First off, thanks for taking the time to read this page. My name is Lana and I’m a senior here at Esperanza High School. Go class of 2025! I am also on the soccer team, a part of Link Crew, NHS, and Distinguished Scholars. I have three brothers and love spending time with my family. I love card games, board games, and most outdoor activities.

I am the current secretary of the Aztec Hut. I am very excited to see this organization grow. I got introduced to this club by Mr. Woodward when I was his AP chem student my junior year. After coming to one of the meetings, I got invested into growing this to be something bigger. There are a lot of big projects we have planned for this school year and I’m excited to share them all with everyone! 

Michael Woodward currently teaches A.P. and honors chemistry at Esperanza High School. PYLUSD runs deep throughout his blood: he is a Yorba Linda resident, is married to another PYLUSD teacher, and has two daughters that attend PYLUSD schools. After graduating with a B.S. in pharmacology & marketing, he entered into a sales and sales management career that stretched a decade in various industries. He finally decided to pursue his lifelong dream of being a teacher and began his chemistry teaching career in 2011. He received a grant for $1,000 from the Placentia Chamber of Commerce in 2024 to begin a program to inspire young entrepreneurs and that is how The Aztec Hut was born. Now he advises the student leaders in our nonprofit charity to generate income through fundraisers to fund student scholarships. 

Thom Metcalf is a dedicated Career Technical Eduction Administrator with North Orange County ROP for over 12 years, including a tenure as a Graphic Design instructor at Esperanza High School. With over twenty years of expertise in the screen print and apparel business, Thom Metcalf brings a wealth of real-world knowledge to the educational setting. Passionate about preparing youth for successful futures, Thom Metcalf is committed to providing students with the skills and support they need to thrive in any path they choose.

Hi, I’m Kate Horton. I am a mom of twins, Daniel and Julia, who are 8th graders at YLMS.  I currently on my second year serving as YLMS PTSA President with an amazing team of other parents, teachers and students. Together we have raised and distributed tens of thousands of dollars to support academics, teachers, sports, performing arts, supplies, scholarships and campus improvements. I hope I can leverage that experience in helping this organization.  
The other part of my life is as Chief Merchandising Officer for Torrid, the largest plus size retailer in the world. I’ve been in some form of retail or wholesale business since graduating from UC Berkeley in 1993.  

Gina Aguilar has served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal and director for PYLUSD for almost 30 years, most of which were spent at Esperanza High School. She currently serves as the principal of El Camino Real High School. She grew up in Placentia and attended PYLUSD schools. She and her husband Larry live in the area with their three children who attend Travis Ranch and are very involved in the community. Gina has always been passionate about building school culture and spirit as well as preparing students to be college and career ready. She is excited to be a part of The Aztec Hut and have the opportunity to support an organization that raises funds to provide scholarships that will empower students to follow their passions and dreams.