Presentation of Mary Academy
Posted by Mike Falzone on Dec 05, 2016
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On December 5th, Sister Maria from the order of the Presentation of Mary, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding the Presentation of Mary Academy. Sister Maria was born in the Azore's on Saint Michael's Island, and moved to America when she was 7 years old. Educated in Catholic Schools all her life, she took her profession of vows in 1985. Sister Maria spent 12 years in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, where she discovered her passion to aid the poor and disadvantaged through education. From there she taught school at PMA Academy in Hudson, and eventually went into administration as a Principal, first in Berlin NH for 3 years, then 12 years in Manchester and finally as principal at PMA Academy in Hudson.
After opening with her usual “funny story”, Sister Maria detailed the history of PMA.
PMA was founded in 1926 to educate and empower women in Southern NH as an all-girls high school and boarding school. In 1980, boys were allowed to attend to expand enrollment.
In 2006, PMA Academy (always known for academic excellence) and Sister Maria added a 1.5 million dollar sports field complex. Enrollment went from 326 to over 500 students today. Also added 3 and 4 K programs, along with after school extended care.
Now moving into next phase- a gymnasium and arts center. Broke ground last summer. Both the new sports fields and new Arts center and gym will be available for the general community, not just PMA students.
“The academy is about helping God’s people” – we are involved in the Plus Company, we have a food pantry on the school grounds, we get the kids involved in many activities in the community.
With the new gymnasium and arts center, we are planning for the future and looking for ways to attract and retain new students.
Sister answered questions, saying someday she hoped she could host a Rotary meeting at Presentation of Mary.