Positive Middie atmosphere attributed to Principal Cotter

Middletown High School principal Carmela Cotter’s sincere love for her students has created a lasting effect on the entire school.

She enjoys talking to and greeting the students as they pass through the hallways of MHS, and the students notice the attention.

“She always has a positive attitude, even during stressful times,” said Middie senior Alexandra Wright. “You can pass her in the hallway and say ‘Hey,’ and she will always stop and talk to you.”

She doesn’t just hang out at the football and basketball games. Students have seen her cheering the Middies on from bowling and soccer contests, too. The support is all a part of Cotter’s positive outlook she brings to the students.

“I personally believe that all good things happen, all growth happens in a positive atmosphere,” Cotter said. “Allowing students to see that we’re in their corner and that we want good things to happen for them, that we want doors to open for them in the future, I think that they have to be around people who believe in them and people who want the best for them. Students are smart. They know when you’re sincere.

“It has been a personal goal of mine to make sure that I relay that toward them, so that they know that that’s what I’m working for. I want them to have the best that they can have in life, whatever their dreams are.”

Cotter has been in the Middletown school system since 1991. She’s been a teacher, assistant principal and is now in her second year as principal of the high school. She credits that past as the building blocks to who she is today. She credits former MHS principal Peggy McCluskey and Garfield Alternative School founder Sally Williamson as some of her early inspirations.

“I continue to find inspiration in my fellow administrators, devoted staff and my wonderful students every day,” she said. “As a teacher, I was fortunate to have the experience of teaching the brightest and most struggling learners, as well as those who were excited, bored, actively involved and disconnected. Experience with a great variety of students’ needs and interests has influenced my desire to improve education to meet needs and better serve all students.”

Here’s some thoughts from her peers and the students themselves:

• “Carmela Cotter has made a tremendous difference at Middletown High, and really across the entire district. She is a passionate leader with high energy and has a sincere belief in her students and staff. Her knowledge, expertise, commitment and dedication to the learning and achievement of all students is beyond reproach.” — Greg Rasmussen, Middletown City Schools Superintendent.

• “Everyone’s main focus at Middletown was football and basketball. However, Mrs. Cotter changed that! Not only do I see her standing on the field at the football games from the student section, I also see her on the sidelines at my games. This means so much to my teammates and me. I love how she takes time out of her busy schedule to support all of Middie Athletics.” — Brittany Hickman, MHS senior, Student Government Secretary.

• “She tries to connect with everyone as a friend, instead of just an administrator.” Brittany Turner, MHS senior, Student Government Treasurer.

• “I think of Carmela as the safety net for our students. She cares about each and every one of them sincerely. She has developed innovative programs that meet the needs of a very diverse student body, making sure that all of them are successful. Her positive attitude and energy are infectious to the entire high school family.” — Middletown City Schools and Monroe Local Schools Business Manager George Long.

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