Maryellen DeMarco

Lowell Catholic High School—Lowell, MA

“Teaching is more than just a job for me; it is a calling and a way of life.”

Inspired by her own high school years at St. Mary’s in Lawrence, Maryellen DeMarco realizes the power that education has to transform the lives of students, particularly in the critical adolescent years. She returned to her alma mater to begin her teaching career, and then went on to teach at Arlington Catholic High School and Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, NH.

When she joined Lowell Catholic as Principal in 2003, the institution was facing numerous challenges: low enrollment, 70% college acceptance rate for seniors, no established curriculum, and facilities in a state of disrepair. Over the past 10 years, Maryellen spearheaded a capital campaign, resulting in the addition of two new buildings to the campus. She oversaw the implementation of a quality, college-preparatory curriculum and led the school through the rigorous NEASC accreditation process, resulting in the school’s first accreditation. These successes have led to a 40 percent increase in enrollment and 100 percent college acceptance rate for seniors.

Maryellen says: “More than anything, an educator must love children to be effective. With passion, knowledge and compassion, a teacher can make a difference in the life of every student they encounter.”