Warner School doctoral student called a leadership ‘rising star’ Necia Emerson

Marchetti, an assistant principal at Canandaigua Academy, a Warner School graduate, and currently a doctoral student in administration at the Warner School, is one of two New York State school administrators to receive a 2002 Pathways to Leadership Scholarship. The New York State Council of School Superintendents made the awards in January in Albany. The $2,500 scholarships are presented annually to women and minority educators who demonstrate leadership potential based on past performance, are ready to assume leadership roles, and are likely to serve as school superintendents during their careers. Marchetti ('93, M.S.) is the second Warner School graduate to receive the scholarship; it was awarded in 1999 to Kim Jane Dyce ('90, M.S.; '97, M.S.).

In nominating her for the award, Stephen Uebbing, superintendent of the Canandaigua City School District, characterized Marchetti as "a rising star" in the field. Michael Wischnowski, assistant professor of educational leadership at the Warner School, agrees. "Her principled approach to whatever she undertakes is apparent. It singles her out as a leader and will serve her well as a future superintendent," Wischnowski said.

In synthesizing what she believes are the most important traits for education leaders, Marchetti says, "The ability to be complex thinkers, able to integrate all the pieces into the big picture." She explains that the decisions leaders make can range from split-second, sometimes life-saving ones, to far-reaching strategic choices that affect not only current students but the educational community within the school and outside in the broader society. In her high school assistant principal role in Canandaigua, for example, her responsibilities have related to student safety, instructional leadership, human resources, and community relations. As a former adjunct faculty member at Finger Lakes Community College, she also adapted her style to adult learners to whom she taught biology. She analyzed issues from building and district perspectives in her former position as science department chairperson in the Geneva City School District. Last summer, as part of the Aspiring Leadership Academy sponsored by the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, she made a professional presentation to her colleagues on administrative decision making.

She is grateful that her education prepared her well to meet these challenges. "I received an excellent theoretical background from the Warner School and was encouraged to blend theory with practice," Marchetti says. "I have really appreciated the complexity of thought that invited me always to look at everything from every angle at a deeper level." From that rich perspective she has distilled what is essential about the art and science of educational leadership: "The important thing is to make sure that all decision making focuses on what's best for children and their learning."