Kathy Martin, the new principal at Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn, holds a newspaper article about herself and a group of St. Dom’s students who were part of the first Mission to Mississippi project in 1997. Martin, a third-generation Saint, graduated from St. Dom’s in 1998 and has a son and a daughter currently enrolled. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Since third grade, Kathy Martin, 44, wanted to be a teacher after being inspired by her teacher at St. Peter’s School in Lewiston. The St. Dominic Regional High School graduate will return to the school as its principal this coming school year.

During her more than 20-year teaching career, she started out at Fairview School in Auburn, then worked as the principal of Sabattus Primary School and Libby Tozier School in Litchfield for several years.

She is coming to Saint Dominic after serving as the assistant superintendent and director of curriculum, assessment and instruction at Regional School Unit 4 for Sabattus, Litchfield and Wales.

How does it feel coming back to Saint Dominic Academy as an administrator instead of a student? Returning to Saint Dominic Academy as an administrator is a unique and deeply personal journey for me. It is truly a homecoming story. I am proud to say that I am a third-generation alumna of Saint Dom’s and my connection to this institution runs deep. Now, as a parent with two children attending — Logan will be a senior and Ava will be a sophomore in the fall — they will become the fourth generation in our family to graduate from Saint Dom’s. This continuity not only underscores our strong family ties to the school but also reinforces our deep roots within the alumni community. I am thrilled to come back to a place that played a significant role in shaping who I am today.

Kathy Martin, lower right, with a group of fellow Saints during a Mission to Mississippi trip with Saint Dominic Academy in 1997. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

What was your time like at Saint Dominic while you were a student? My years at Saint Dominic Regional High School were marked by academic rigor, athletic endeavors and passionate involvement in extracurricular activities. Throughout my high school career, I was actively engaged both on the field as a dedicated athlete in field hockey and softball (and basketball my freshman year) and off the field in extracurricular activities such as Key Club, Student Senate, drama, eucharistic minister and National Honor Society. These activities taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, thus shaping my character and fostering personal growth.

However, one of my proudest achievements was spearheading a service learning project called “Mission to Mississippi,” an initiative that aimed to support communities in Mississippi in need through a service learning trip. The project was a culmination of teamwork between students and staff and collaboration of many organizations throughout the U.S., all to help those in need. I am grateful that this project became a lasting tradition for many years after my tenure at Saint Dom’s, reflecting our school’s commitment to service and community engagement.

What was the best part about your time at Saint Dominic and how do you hope to help the students enjoy their time at the school? The best part of my time at Saint Dom’s was the strong sense of community and the holistic education that integrated faith, knowledge, and service. As an administrator, I aim to foster an environment where students not only excel academically but also thrive spiritually and socially. I want every student to feel proud to be part of the SDA community and to have a deep sense of belonging.

I hope to create opportunities for students to explore their passions and develop into well-rounded individuals who are prepared for their futures. By nurturing this sense of pride and belonging, I aim to ensure that current students experience the same sense of community and fulfillment that I cherished during my time at Saint Dom’s.

Kathy Martin holds a picture of her receiving the leadership award during her graduation from Saint Dominic Academy in 1998. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

How do operations at private schools and public schools differ and do you expect that you will have to adjust your management style a little coming into this new role? Private schools like Saint Dominic have more flexibility in designing their curriculum, allowing for a tailored educational experience that meets individual students’ needs and interests. Smaller class sizes enable personalized attention and foster closer relationships between students and teachers, creating a supportive and collaborative environment. Faith-based teachings are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, reinforcing shared values and a cohesive educational experience. In contrast, public schools must adhere to state and federal standards, resulting in a more standardized approach with larger class sizes and less individualized instruction. Public schools serve a broader and more diverse community, making it more challenging to maintain a cohesive school culture.

I anticipate adjusting my management style at Saint Dominic Academy to embrace the flexibility of a private school setting. I aim to foster innovative curriculum design and teaching methods, and build strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, and alumni to nurture our close-knit community. Integrating faith-based teachings into our daily practices is a priority, supporting both academic and spiritual growth. This requires a personalized and holistic approach that addresses the unique needs and aspirations of the Saint Dom’s community, empowering each individual to thrive academically, spiritually and personally.

What are you most looking forward to coming back to Saint Dominic? I am eagerly looking forward to returning to Saint Dominic and contributing to its mission and vision. Being part of this community, where alumni say we “bleed black and white,” feels like I’m back to the community I once loved. I’m excited to collaborate with dedicated students, parents and faculty to uphold Saint Dominic’s tradition of academic excellence and spiritual development, ensuring every student receives personalized support to thrive. Cheering kids on in the classroom, on the field and in their life aspirations is a privilege I deeply value.

On a personal note, I am thrilled to experience my own son’s senior year at Saint Dominic Academy. Witnessing his growth and achievements alongside his peers is a special time that fosters a sense of pride, so being able to cheer on my own children is an added joy.

Do you have a vision for how you want to help the school thrive as an administrator? Central to my vision is fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty, parents and the broader community. By building open communication, trust and collaboration, we can enhance the overall educational experience and support student success. I am committed to integrating faith-based teachings seamlessly into our curriculum and daily practices, reinforcing values such as compassion, integrity, and service. This integration not only enriches students’ spiritual growth but also contributes to a cohesive school culture where every individual feels valued and supported. Through personalized support systems and a culture of continuous improvement, Saint Dominic Academy will continue to evolve as a place where students are empowered to excel academically, grow personally and contribute meaningfully to their communities.