Mater Academy principal Judith Marty was cheered by students and teachers for being recognized as one of the top six principals in Florida. Marty is a 2015 recipient of the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Awards, which annually honors the top two elementary, middle and high school principals in the state.
“I am very proud to be the Mater Academy principal. Our faculty and students have always risen to the challenge to create a College-Going Culture,” said Marty. “By increasing rigor in all classes, we have achieved a 98 percent graduation rate and 90 percent college acceptance.”
The Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award is the only honor given to principals who exceed expected learning gains in reading and mathematics for at-risk students in low-income, high-risk schools. No nominations are accepted for the awards; the Principal Leadership Awards is an entirely data-driven program.
"As the CEO of her school, Marty is breaking down barriers to achievement for at-risk students," said Dominic M. Calabro, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch.
Joining in Friday’s celebration were Representatives Manny Diaz Jr. and Erik Fresen; Tom Dolan, Miami District Manager for the Florida Lottery; and Katrina Wilson Davis, vice president of the Board of the Florida Consortium for Public Charter Schools.
“For those who know Marty, the accolades and successes she has earned come as no surprise,” said Diaz. “She is a great mentor and leader to her faculty, teachers, parents, and most importantly, her students. This honor is a testament to her tireless efforts to educate each of her students.”