Medomak Valley High School’s Linda Pease named Maine Principal of the Year
The Maine Principal’s Association has named Medomak Valley High School Principal Linda Pease as the 2024 Maine Principal of the Year.
“Mrs. Pease receives this award because of her belief in exceptional shared leadership and positive relationships with staff and students,” said the MPA, in an announcement.
“Mrs. Pease is an incredible advocate for quality professional development for her staff in order to create new ideas, courses, and programs to best meet the needs of all of her students,” said MPA Executive Director of the Professional Division, Dr. Holly Blair.
MVHS was abuzz the afternoon of Friday, April 26. An all-school assembly had been announced the day before but the subject remained under wraps.
In the gymnasium, the school’s jazz ensemble played as students filed in and filled the bleachers.
Blair represented the MPA and a to make the official announcement to the student body to applause and cheers: “The best of the best in our state.”
RSU40 Superintendent Steven Nolan said, “I want to share some qualities that make [Principal Pease] the perfect candidate,” describing her as “a humble leader” who is also “ambitious and courageous.”
“I am deeply humbled and thankful,” said Pease.
A former English teacher, she quoted Robert Frost before closing with, “There is no other school in the county, state, country, or world that I would rather serve.”
After the ceremony, Pease posed for photos with family and coworkers.
“I feel amazed! And overwhelmed,” said Principal Pease.
“She just loves the students,” said longtime friend Claire Forbes. “She connects with them.”
Pease was born into an education family. Her father, Ronald Dolloff, was principal of MVHS from 1970 to 1994. received her bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of Southern Maine in 1985. She continued her education, earning a master of science in education: The High Performing Teacher from the University of New England in 2001.
Pease’s educational career started in 1985 at Prescott Memorial School in Washington. She taught at Miller School, A.D. Gray Middle School, the Mid-Coast School of Technology, and Medomak Valley High School. She became Assistant Principal of Medomak Valley High School in 2015 and has served as Principal there since 2018.
Pease will be honored by the MPA at the Night of Excellence Awards Banquet at the Augusta Civic Center on May 23.
