Longtime Montini principal preparing to retire
Longtime Montini Catholic High School Principal Maryann O'Neill is retiring and will step down at the end of the school year.
"My decision to step down … was a very difficult one," O'Neill told students and faculty after a recent all-school Mass. "For thirty-two years, I have enjoyed waking up and coming to this school.
"But, I have always been a person who believes that change is good, healthy and productive and it is now time for that change."
O'Neill was hired in 1985 by the late Brother Joseph Boggio to develop and teach computer science and math at Montini.
"I was hired while one of the school's brothers was on sabbatical to attain his master's degree," O'Neill said. "I committed to stay for two years and have been here ever since."
She served as principal for 14 years.
During her 32 years at Montini, O'Neill has taken on several roles. In addition to teaching, she has been a technology coordinator, administrative assistant to the principal, director of curriculum, instruction and professional development, and assistant principal.
She also took on many responsibilities regarding extracurricular activities, such as Lasallian youth moderator, retreat director, student activities moderator and National Honor Society moderator. She also was a member of the principal's advisory council, the strategic planning committee, and the academic advisory council.
In 2011, she was presented with the Bishop Roger L. Kaffer Outstanding Principal Award for personifying the Catholic values and principles of school leadership.
When the school celebrated its 50th Anniversary during the 2015-16 school year, she reflected on how the high school has changed over the years.
"I have seen Montini grow from electric typewrites to iPads," she said. "Our curriculum has grown from one programming class to courses like Web Design, Digital Media and Robotics."
She also said the school's service ministry program "is now going global with teams going to Nicaragua to help homeless families."
Under O'Neill's leadership, numerous improvements have been implemented, including laptops for all teachers and SMART Boards, white boards, projectors and software. She oversaw the installation of the first computer lab and created a computer department and curriculum.
During her 32 years at Montini, O'Neill has witnessed school history with the addition of a math wing, a science wing, a campus ministry center, a learning resource center, improved and expanded athletic fields including lights at Duffy Memorial Stadium, and a new three-court Field House.
She lives the mission of the school's founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, "to touch the hearts of students."
"I believe in our founder's charisma and his desire that we act as family, as brothers and sisters in Christ," she said.
When asked to recall the most rewarding part of her job, O'Neill never fails to say that she relishes the emails, letters, calls and visits from past students who want to tell her about their careers and accomplishments since graduation. She even has a bulletin board in her office that displays many of the messages she receives from past students.
"It is heartwarming to hear from our former students," she said. "I am also proud that many of our alums have returned to work here at Montini."
"Maryann's dedication and service to the school is inspiring," President Jim Segredo said. "I am positive that I speak on behalf of the entire school community when I say Montini Catholic wouldn't be the outstanding school it is today, without her faithfulness and loyalty."
"It has truly been my honor and privilege to spend each day with the students, faculty and staff of Montini Catholic and to partner with such a supportive parent community," O'Neill said. "Montini has been and always will be a very important part of my life. I would like to thank our parents as well as my colleagues for the trust and support they have given me and the students, past and present, who have shared their stories and taught me so many valuable lessons."