By Michael Coughlin Jr.
At its regular meeting last week, the Revere School Committee welcomed Nancy Martel to say a few words as she is poised to take the role of principal at Staff Sergeant James J. Hill Elementary School on July 1st.
Martel, who began her career in Revere 26 years ago as a teacher at the Beachmont School, expressed her gratitude to get this position, saying, “It has taken the support of so many people to get me to this place.”
Specifically, Martel, who has recently served as Assistant Principal at the Hill School, thanked family members like her mother, who she said: “raised her four little girls wearing matching t-shirts as early as I can remember that said anything boys can do, girls can do better.” “She always said we could be whatever we wanted in life.”
Martel, who thanked several of her colleagues throughout the years, indicated that Ed Moccia, who had been a principal at both the Hill and McKinley schools, taught her the most in preparation for this role.
“He taught me early on that everyone has a story. Families have a story, staff have stories, and kids have stories. It’s not only important but necessary to get to know these stories; Eddie is a master at this,” said Martel.
“It was effortless and natural for him, and the past 12 years have given me the opportunity to follow his lead and get to know the Hill School community on a deeper level. This is how I will do my best to lead with compassion and empathy.”
She spoke about how it is easier to support staff and parents when you know their stories and detailed an interaction this year with a parent who said Martel was a part of their story, which she described as “profoundly moving.”
“This is a responsibility and a privilege that is not to be taken lightly, and I would not take this journey with any other staff in the city,” said Martel.
In addition to Martel’s words, those in attendance at the school committee meeting expressed their excitement about the incoming principal.
Committee Member Stacey Bronsdon-Rizzo spoke about how much Martel cares and shared an anecdote about her son being in Martel’s first class and how she had gotten emotional when students were misbehaving.
“He seeing her cry, saw how much she cared about the students in the classroom that it really made an impact on him,” said Bronsdon-Rizzo. “I just couldn’t be happier for you, Nancy.”
Superintendent Dianne Kelly also said, “I just couldn’t be happier for you, Nancy. You’ve been ready for this leadership for a long time, and we’re really excited to see you take over the helm at the Hill.”
Ultimately, Martel made it clear that she is looking forward to stepping into her new role.“Thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity, and I am so excited for the next chapter in my story,” she said.
