MSJ announces appointment of Sarah Fortier as new principal

RUTLAND – Mount Saint Joseph Academy of Rutland is proud to name Sarah Fortier as its new principal. Fortier brings a wealth of experience to the position, including having served as the dean of students and teacher for Mount Saint Joseph Academy since 2004.
Fortier stated, “I have always been drawn to MSJ as it is my Alma Mater and is, and always has been, very near and dear to my heart. As one of my favorite historical figures President John F. Kennedy said, ‘Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are sure to miss the future.’ I am honored to say I have accepted the appointment of principal for Mount Saint Joseph Academy. I am confident that the coming years will be bring our community many opportunities. I look forward to the new school year where our MSJ community will join together in a spirit of faith, support and development of our future students/leaders.”
Msgr. John J. McDermott, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Burlington, stated, “I am very pleased with Mrs. Fortier’s appointment because of her proven commitment to the mission of Catholic Schools, the education of students in all areas of life and her love of MSJ. I pray her administration will lead MSJ into a successful future.”
Bartley “BJ” Costello, currently on the Board of Advisors for MSJ and who was also a member of the search committee, was pleased to add that, “Mrs. Fortier, a MSJ graduate, teacher and coach whose family has long been invested in our school, within the context of our catholic traditions and her experience and passion as a leader, will lead MSJ’s parents, staff and students to the highest academic, athletic and social achievements.”
Fortier holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History with a minor in Psychology from Quinnipiac University, a Master’s Degree from The College of Saint Joseph in Education, and post-graduate certification from the College of St. Joseph in Advanced Study of Education. Fortier was previously the Proctor High School varsity soccer coach. She also worked during her college years with America Reads in Hamden, Conn., where she interacted with inner city New Haven students as a part of the federally funded America Reads program, teaching children, helping children manage their homework, and creating a positive influence on their lives. As a teacher, Fortier has been honored to have been the recipient of the 2009, 2011, 2013, “Unsung Hero” Awarded through Saint Michael’s College.
“I have been blessed with three beautiful children, Jack, Carmody and Cash, and a wonderful, loving and supportive husband Keith,” Fortier stated. “You will continue to see Coach Fortier and Coach Fortier on the soccer side lines as well as at all the MSJ extra-curricular events as our children are being raised as future Mounties while they currently happily attend Christ the King school in Rutland. My hobbies include soccer, water, skiing, running, researching criminology and reading. I am fortunate enough to be able to include most of these into my professional life.”
MSJ has proudly educated young adults who have had high success in their future! As Fortier expressed, we need to look toward the future and our children are the future!
For more information, visit www.msjvermont.org.