By Carol Britton Meyer

**GRAND DAME.** Hull native Mary Merrigan is now principal of Notre Dame Academy in Hingham. [Courtesy photo]

For lifelong Hull resident Mary Merrigan, accepting the role as principal of the all-girls Notre Dame Academy in Hingham seemed like the perfect fit, but the decision to leave Hull Public Schools after 30 years was not an easy one.

Merrigan, whose most recent position was pre-K through grade 12 director of curriculum and assessment for the district, said that after being “part of the significant work” in the school department for her entire career, “considering the new position weighed against what was familiar and comfortable, and a known entity, for me.”

At the same time, what attracted her to the NDA principal role was the opportunity to bring together her “lifelong commitment to education, my Catholic faith, and the ability to lead a school that is so keenly focused on developing female leaders.”

In her new position, Merrigan reports to President Annemarie Lynch Kenneally, serving as the primary educational leader of the 450-student school known for its dynamic college preparatory environment, expansive campus ministry program, and highly competitive athletic program.

“Dr. Merrigan’s appointment is the result of an in-depth, comprehensive search that identified many excellent candidates. We were impressed by her personal warmth, extensive in-classroom and curriculum development experience, and record of establishing strong communications among students, faculty, staff, and parents and guardians,” Kenneally said in a press release. “We welcome her to the Notre Dame Academy community and look forward to the vision, character, and leadership experience she brings to her new role.”

As principal, Merrigan oversees all aspects of the student educational experience, academic programming, guidance and counseling, student life, campus ministry, co-curriculars, and programming that contribute to what is considered to be a superior student experience.

“We’re trying to equip the girls with courage, skills, and the ability to exercise the power of their voice,” Merrigan told The Hull Times. “All of it is rooted in faith. We educate the whole child here – mind, body, and spirit – and all of this was really attractive to me at this stage of my career.”

The Hingham NDA Billiart Leadership Institute was created to develop the next generation of female leaders “in and out of the classroom, with the unique opportunity for students to mentor younger girls and to be mentored themselves,” Merrigan explained. “The Institute is also tightly connected to our extensive alumni reservoir of graduates who are working for various industries and corporations, and also women who have chosen very different career paths.”

What tipped the balance for her in deciding to accept the principal position was the president-principal leadership model and the opportunity to work with Kenneally.

“She is, in her own right, a very accomplished and inspiring female leader, and her vision for the school was exciting for me,” Merrigan said.

Her favorite part of the new job is “the girls. I come to work responsible for 445 girls every day,” Merrigan said. “They are remarkable – joyful, compassionate, and very focused and engaged around this leadership initiative.”

Being part of the NDA environment “and openly expressing my faith” is the central part of her new role.

“We begin the day and all of our meetings with prayer, and the students start every class with prayer,” Merrigan said. “The faith piece is really evident and very impactful to the whole school.”

After serving the HPS as a teacher and administrator for many years, Merrigan said she feels “privileged to have had the opportunity to teach other people’s children over my whole career,” she said. “It’s an experience I will always treasure.”

Merrigan received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, her master’s in educational leadership from Bridgewater State College, and her doctorate in educational studies from Lesley University.

While she enjoys working in Hingham, Merrigan also loves spending time in her hometown, where her family owns Jake’s Seafood Restaurant and Fish Market.

“I love Hull, it’s always in my heart,” she said. “It’s a tiny but mighty community, with everyone rallying around, and showing their love and support for, one another. Hull’s greatest treasure is its people.”

In her spare time, Merrigan enjoys spending time with her family, including her four grown sons, who were all educated in a Jesuit school.

“When I was considering this new job, they told me that after investing in putting them through Catholic school, it was my turn to enjoy that environment,” she said.

Merrigan is also “a hardcore Bruins fan” and enjoys riding horses.