By Amanda Boston
Nativity Catholic School in Brandon was established through the efforts of four Sisters from the Most Holy Trinity. With its humble beginnings in 1961, the school’s first year consisted of 95 students in grades one through six and employed portable buildings for its classrooms. Today, the highly esteemed school has long outgrown its temporary structures as it serves about 650 students in grades pre-kindergarten through grade eight.
This school year, Nativity Catholic School welcomes Mary Myers as its new principal. Myers said, “As my dream was always to live in Florida, I found my dream job at Nativity Catholic School where I plan to be for the remainder of my career.”
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Myers began her teaching career in the Catholic school system. However, after four years, Myers had a calling to work with underprivileged students and families in the Cleveland Municipal School District. She remained in that school district as an elementary teacher and principal for more than 20 years before retiring her 30-year teaching career in a suburb of Cleveland.
However, Myers was not settled in her retirement. “After I retired, I wanted to move to an area where there was sunshine, warmth and beaches. I felt compelled to return to my work in the Catholic schools, which is where I began my education career 30 years previous,” said Myers.
From 2012 to 2017, Myers was the principal at St. Mark Catholic School in Wilmington, North Carolina. Without a hitch, Myers has transitioned back into the Catholic education system. “I love that in the Catholic schools you can reach out and relate to the students and families not only on an academic and social level, but also on a spiritual level as well. Our students benefit from a full education—one that enriches both the mind and the soul. This adds a layer of spiritual growth to our students in allowing them to pray and learn the gospel teachings while encouraging each student to accept the challenges God has set forth to be a better person in tomorrow’s world,” she explained.
Along with her enthusiasm for warmer weather, Myers brings 36 years of experience as a teacher and principal to the Sunshine State. Myers is complimentary of Nativity’s competent staff and the school’s well-known academic achievements. She also looks forward to forming a partnership with the parents and parish community.
Myers said, “Our annual Novemberfest is just around the corner, and plans are already in the works to make this another hugely successful event through the collaboration of our entire school and parish community.”
Myers and her husband Rick live in Plant City. She has raised four young men ranging in ages from 24 to 31 years. For more information on Nativity Catholic School, visit nativitycatholicschool.org or call 689-3395. The school is located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon.
