Congratulations to the new principal of St. Mary-St. Michael School

(L-R) Chris Clark, Donna Carloni, Sue Goncalves,Linda Coppola, Patsy Gerckens, and Grace Torres

I would like to give a huge welcome to the newly announced principal of St. Mary-St. Michael School…Grace Torres.

Father Tiano, the pastor of St. Mary parish appointed a search committee for the next principal once current principal, Linda Coppola announced she was retiring at the end of the school year. The committee was chaired by Patti Tiezzi, the principal of St. Rita’s in Hamden and consisted of members of both St. Mary and St. Michael parishes.

I was fortunate to be a member of the original principal search committee seven years ago that selected Mrs. Coppola. At that time, I told the committee, "this is a no-brainer, cancel the rest of the candidate interviews because we have our principal."

Likewise, I was appointed to this most recent principal search committee and as soon as Grace expressed interest in the position, I thought back to my youth when "Dandy Don Meredith" would sing on Monday Night Football, "...turn out the lights, the party's over" when the outcome of the game was in hand.

Grace's story is a testament to her faith and her parents.

Her parents search for the American Dream led them from Equador to Derby, to a small house on the corner of 6th and Anson Street. Both parents believed in faith-based education and worked countless hours in order to send Grace and her siblings to St. Mary-St. Michael School. Interestingly, Grace graduated from St. Mary-St. Michael School in 1989 and was a member of the first graduating class of the newly merged St. Mary's and St. Michael's schools.

Grace graduated from Derby High School in 1993 and as class president led her class onto the Ryan Athletic Complex at DeFilippo Field for commencement.

After high school, Grace started her own family. She and her husband (Eduardo) have two daughters (Makayla and Adrianna). Makayla graduated from St. Mary-St. Michael School and is currently attending Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden. Adrianna is currently enrolled in St. Mary-St. Michael School.

I'm sure I ran into Grace a time or two while my daughters attended the school, but it wasn't until the school found itself in financial trouble in 2010, that I really took notice of her and became intrigued with her seemingly unending source of energy and positivity.

Grace was part of a group of parents who created a financial plan that was accepted by the Archbishop of Hartford that ultimately saved the school.

It's a shame to say she was a part of a group...she was a leader and one of the driving forces behind the plan to save the school. She spent countless hours developing and communicating the plan to the other parents. She number crunched and pitched different types of fundraising efforts (including our now famous Housy River Duck Race) to keep the school afloat.

It wasn't until the school was given a reprieve that Grace really came into her own. She ran most fundraisers, and helped compile lists of alumni from the old school records. She ate, slept, and breathed St. Mary-St. Michael School often with her two young daughters in tow.

She worked in the school office for a period of time and was able to witness first-hand the wonderfulness that is our current principal, Linda Coppola.

While working at the school, she decided to go back to college and she received a B.A. in Spanish from Sacred Heart University.

She received her M.A.T (Master of Arts in Teaching) in May of 2015 from Sacred Heart University and is currently pursuing her 6th Year Reading and Language Development certification from Fairfield University while teaching at Derby's Irving School.

Again, let's not forget that while getting these advanced degrees, she continued to raise her family and stay involved with the school.

I can't put my finger on it, but there is something about Grace that makes one want to give even more of themselves than they thought possible. I suppose if she could overcome all the obstacles placed in front of her (including the sudden loss of her beloved father) and still be so optimistic and driven to succeed then surely we all can.

I am glad to have worked so closely with Mrs. Coppola these past seven years. During the school's time of need, Mrs. Coppola stepped up big time and turned the school around. I am sad to see Mrs. Coppola leave, but happy and wish her nothing but the best during her retirement. I am sure she has satisfaction knowing her efforts have resulted in the revival of the school.

I believe the committee got it right by selecting Grace to lead the school for the next generation. I know she can count on the support of the community to keep her head held high as she takes over the reigns of this magical place we call St. Mary-St. Michael School.

After awhile, the community will regard her as I do...Amazing Grace.

Grace will assume her new responsibilities on July 1st.

Good luck and best wishes.