Bishop Robert Deeley and Superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools, Ms. Marianne Pelletier, presented Mrs. Hoffman with the award during a capstone ceremony for Catholic Schools Week that included heart-felt messages from students and recognition from Principal Cullen. Mrs. Hoffman has worked as a full-time teacher in Catholic schools in Augusta for more than 25 years, first at St. Augustine School and then, after the merger that consolidated St. Augustine and St. Mary into one school, at SMS for the last 13 years. She follows the Hartford Curriculum as the head of the Language Arts department, teaching Grammar, Writing, Reading, and Comprehension to all middle schoolers every day. She oversees our Accreditation Committee, tirelessly organizing the entire staff toward the goal of becoming a NEASC accredited school. As SMS's vice-principal, Mrs. Hoffman is always ready to offer support and guidance to teachers and students, even taking up to the role of principal for months at a time in addition to her other responsibilities whenever Mr. Kevin Cullen's health has required it.

What really sets Mrs. Hoffman apart as an educator, a colleague, and a human being is that she truly lives her faith all day, every day, inspiring other teachers, staff and students to follow her lead. Instead of pushing people up the hill, Mrs. Hoffman is the first one charging up, calmly yet cheerfully leading the way forward. Mrs. Hoffman is a treasure to the SMS community and a most deserving teacher of this award. We could not be more proud of her.

For more testimonials and reactions to this news, please follow this link to hear directly from our students.

St. Michael School is a community-focused Catholic school in Augusta, Maine, where parents, staff and parish come together to provide students with opportunities to develop a strong faith practice while following a rigorous academic program. We realize that by embracing individual differences and creating a sense of mutual respect, compassion and understanding, we instill in all students an enthusiasm for learning and a realization of their Christ-guided place in the world.

For information on registering at St. Michael School, please email: stmichaelschool@portlanddiocese.org or call the office at (207) 623-3491.