Wondering who this new principal was, we decided to take time to interview her in the one place that seemed familiar: her office. Ms. Bonnie Marsh was happy to oblige answering our sometimes intrusive questions. While performing our investigation of the life of Ms. Marsh, we discovered a piece of her that we hope you also learn from this article.



Q: Why did you want to immerse yourself in teaching and become involved in the educational field?

A: When my children were young, I began teaching and I became involved in their school. It was relaxing that my children and I were on the same schedule. As I grew in teaching, I became intrigued with the bigger picture. With this new interest I started my journey as a principal.

Q: What were you like as a child? Please include your favorite classes, best memories, favorite teacher, favorite sports, and emphasis on religion.

A: My feet were always moving so my mother eventually enrolled me in tap-dancing classes. I had a vast imagination and because I could entertain myself in the woods for hours, I often spent time playing cowboys or Indians.

When I was in middle school I was very active. My favorite classes tended to be math, art, or anything that included reading. One math teacher in particular inspired me to continue my mathematic achievement. His name was Mr. Holden, and although he was handicapped, he worked harder than any other teacher I had ever met. The math classes he taught always seemed to be the hardest but he never gave up on teaching us. I owe Mr. Holden a lot for adding to the kind of thinker I am today.

An early school memory is a true example of how much I enjoyed school. I can’t remember exactly how we did it, but I do remember my friend and I hiding in the school until we were the last ones left in the building. We ended up crawling out a window, and we laughed the whole walk home.

Religion influenced my life at a very early age. I attended a Catholic school for kindergarten and first grade. After first grade, I moved to Peaks Island, and I was sent to a public school to finish my early education there.

Q: Where were you employed previous to St. Joseph’s School?

A: I previously worked at Wells Junior High as a literature specialist to help children who needed extra support. Before my career at Wells, I was a principal in Harrison/Oxford Hills.

Q: Please tell us about your children.

A: I have three wonderful children. All of them have grown into astonishing adults, and I am proud to be their mother. Betsy, my youngest, has started teaching and has worked for the Blue Cross. Ian, the middle child, lives in New York and is accomplished in the real estate field. My eldest daughter, Carrie, is the urban designer for Portland and creates a comfortable atmosphere wherever she is present. Some people may say I inspired them, but in actuality they inspire me with every thing they do.

Q: Why did you decide to come to St. Joseph’s School?

A: I decided to be a part of St. Joseph’s community because I admired the Catholic aspect of everyday life in the school. It was a big change for me and I embraced it with open arms.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I love to read! I enjoy the company of a good book. Some of my favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird, any Maya Angelou book, The DaVinci Code, and lastly I have always had a passion for biographies. Some of my other interests are writing, skiing, woodworking, anything involving tools, knitting, and sewing. I love nature in general and there is nothing like the feeling when you are standing on top of Mt. Katadin; you know you achieved your goal.

Q: What college did you attend and of what successes are you most proud?

A: I spent my four years of college at the University of Maine and went on to get my degree at the University of Southern Maine. In college I was the yearbook editor, and I always strived for outstanding grades.

Q: Do you travel?

A: Austria and Switzerland are both dear to me and I visited them each three times. I have also made appearances in the United Kingdom, Wales, and Canada. German was my foreign language earlier in life and I try to travel to places where it is the primary language.

Thank you Ms. Marsh for allowing us to question you about your wonderful experiences.


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