Lloydminster’s St. Mary’s Elementary School has a new principal.
Mitch Cherry was officially welcomed into the role last week during the school’s Kindergarten Orientation, he will be taking over in the fall from outgoing principal Sue Grams after four years of her leadership.
Cherry is a Lloydminster native and a product of the Lloydminster Catholic School Division. He has served the division as a student, teacher, and administrator.
“Becoming a principal in LCSD is truly a dream come true for me,” Cherry said. “LCSD is where I have always felt a strong sense of belonging. I am proud to say I am LCSD.”
Cherry steps into a school with several active initiatives. St. Mary’s recently launched a nutrition program providing free breakfast and lunch to all students. An adaptive Kindergarten program designed to meet diverse educational and emotional needs is also set to launch. Fundraising for a new playground is tracking ahead of expectations, with construction potentially beginning as early as the next school year.
For Cherry, the move carries personal weight. He is a father of young children who will grow up in the same school community where he did.
“As a parent of three young children, I understand firsthand that every child learns and develops differently,” he said. “St. Mary’s is a place where I want every child to feel a true sense of belonging.”
Grams, who led the school for four years, said she leaves proud of what the community built together.
“I hope they remember that I promoted learning together and embracing our faith, that I worked with them in kindness and caring,” Grams said. “They were kind to others and did acts of service without being told. They just wanted to be there and help.”
She credited her staff with making the school’s growth possible.
“Thank you for just anything we wanted to try new – they were there, they were ready,” Grams said. “They put their heart and soul into it, and I appreciate them completely.”
Grams is headed ot St. Thomas to become a Vice-Principal, she is hoping to get herself back to being bilingual after losing much of the ability over the years she had when she was younger.
LCSD Director of Education Glenda Kary said the division is confident in Cherry’s ability to carry the school forward.
“Mitch is a passionate Catholic educator whose leadership is rooted in relationships, service, and a deep commitment to student success,” Kary said. “We are excited to see St. Mary’s continue to thrive under Mitch’s leadership.”
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