As a former principal at Saint Mary Academy, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible impact a dedicated and passionate school community can have on the lives of its students and families. SMA exemplified everything an outstanding elementary school should be. When we earned the US Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Award for Academic Excellence in 2015, it was a result of the collaborative spirit among the administrative team, the faculty, staff, parents, students, and parish community. We created a nurturing environment where every individual felt valued and supported and where each child was challenged to the highest academic standards. I am proud to have been part of Saint Mary Academy for eight years.