SARAH Fortier
Favorite Part of Job? My favorite part of being at MSJ is split equally between the wonderfully caring and compassionate 
students I get to interact with every day and the unbelievable community that is MSJ. It is such a warm, inviting and supportive 
place to work.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My most inspiring mentor has been Reverend Monsignor Bernard Bourgeois. He was the former principal of Rice. He has taught me a lot about the type of leader I want to be: one with vision and a clear path of how to get things accomplished while always keeping the best interest of the kids at heart.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Country concerts are my favorite. I love the music, the cowboy hats, the cowboy boots; everything about them rocks!
Favorite Vermont Escape: My parents lake house on Lake Bomoseen is my favorite. I have been lucky enough to spend every summer of my life there.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I love watching my beloved New England Patriots (Go TB#12) and the Boston Red Sox. I am an avid runner and I love playing corn hole with my husband Keith.
Favorite Super Hero: Well Tom Brady of course! He is the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time) after all!!!
Favorite Social Media: I like Facebook because it allows me to connect with all the people who have walked into my life at different stages on the daily basis if I so choose.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would like to share a Vermont beverage with Tom Brady and David Ortiz. Both are incredible athletes who serve as role models to those around them in so many ways, especially in the way in which they give back to so many.
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have received is to think of my career as a vocation, something I was called to do. I believe my career is a vocation and I love what I do!
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I see myself in my 23rd year at MSJ; the best part? My twins, Carmody and Cash, who are current first graders, will be Juniors!
Career Highlights: I started my career as a part time teacher. After a year I earned full time status. During the summer before my third year of teaching I was offered the job as the Dean of Students and as a member of the administration team. After being the Dean for seven years I became the Principal of MSJ. I have coached Women’s Soccer for 13 years as well. I love both of my jobs!
Community Involvement: I have been the advisor for Project Help, a school Christmas project at MSJ in which we provide Christmas dinner and presents for 100 local needy families, for a combined 15 years: four as a student and 11 as a teacher.I have run races in honor of my son Jack who was born with atypical, bilateral clubfeet. Our team is called “For Jack”. We have been sponsored in these races and sent donations to the Boston Children’s Hospital to help with clubfoot research and treatment. One year we held our own “For Jack” 5k.
My soccer teams have joined me in participating in multiple community wide events such as the Walk for Alzheimer’s and the Walk to Prevent Child Abuse.
I worked with the under 6 year olds this past spring every Saturday morning teaching soccer skills with the Rutland Recreation Department. I love giving back to the community. I try to emulate my father, John, who always taught me the importance of helping others in as many capacities as possible.