Moccia Principal of the Year

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HIGH SCHOOL HERO — Parents can be thankful that their children are being educated under the leadership of Principal of the Year Ted Moccia, of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

OXFORD HILLS — The title of "High School Principal of the Year" has been awarded to Ted Moccia of the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS) by the Maine Principal's Association.

Moccia was modest about his own role in receiving the award, calling it a "great honor."

"The strength of the school is the staff. Without them I would not be receiving this honor," said Moccia. "I have a very strong administrative team working with me at OHCHS which is a big part of my success. This honor is a reflection of the hard work of many people, not just myself."

Moccia is known for developing personal relationships with the throngs of students who attend the high school, and for taking advantage of opportunities to interact with them. He and his family have also opened their home to host a teacher from China this year.

Richard Durost, the executive director of the MPA, announced the award to a packed assembly of cheering students during the school's Winter Carnival.

"Mr. Moccia's professionalism, focus on the importance of relationships, and leadership of high school reform ... represent the very best qualities of the high school principal in Maine," said Durost. "He is a leader in the profession."

Moccia, who became principal of OHCHS in 2005 after six years as an assistant principal, said that he has been able to implement reforms at the high school thanks to support from district administrators.

"The district leadership has been supportive of the reform and initiatives we have been working on at OHCHS," said Moccia.

Throughout his career, Moccia has worn a variety of hats in school settings. He has been an assistant principal, a science teacher, a physical education teacher, and a coach. In addition, Moccia has served as a member of the MPA's wrestling committee, the board of trustees for Stephens Memorial Hospital, and the board of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Moccia said that the educational team at the high school is able to deliver superior opportunities to the students who attend there.

"I always tell the kids we have the best high school in the state due to the opportunities they have here," he said.

Moccia received a Bachelor's in physical education in 1984, and a Master's in educational leadership from USM in 2004.

Jeanne Crocker, the National Association of Secondary School Principals coordinator, announced that Moccia had won the award to the students.

Moccia will be honored at a statewide awards banquet in April, and will represent Maine at a national conference in Washington, D.C. in the fall. He is eligible for consideration for the 2012 National Principal of the Year.

This is the first time in 20 years that a principal from OHCHS has been so recognized, although Assistant Superintendent Patrick Hartnett did receive the award in 2009, when he was the principal of Leavitt Area High School.