Yesterday, for the first time in nine years, students at Edwin Parr Composite didn’t see a familiar face sitting in one of the administrative offices.
Mark Centazzo, who has been the principal at EPC for the last three years, and was the vice principal for six years previously, left his position last Friday for a change in jobs and responsibilities.
Centazzo has accepted the job as the dual credit coordinator with the Northern Lights School Division based out of Bonnyville. The job will not only mean a move up the ladder in service high school educational needs, but also the end of a lengthy daily commute for the last 10 years, as Centazzo and his wife live in Bonnyville.
“The new job is exciting and a chance to help high school students at a new level,” Centazzo said in an interview on his last day.
“It’s such a difference, but it’s going to be exciting to be able to expand my own horizons and still help kids.”
He added the new job is a step up a notch and could lead to further learning opportunities that might lead to jobs as an assistant superintendent or superintendent.
Centazzo taught junior high math and science for much of the time he spent at EPC and for most of his 23 years in teaching.
When asked what he is going to miss the most, he said, “It will be the staff and the kids here. I have gotten a lot of support from the parents and the kids.
“This has been my home for 16 years, it’s definitely difficult to leave, but the school is in good hands.”
Meanwhile, students in a number of sports at EPC are going to miss Centazzo’s support at their various games and tournaments. More specifically, they will miss seeing him dressed up in all manner and shades of green including various fun headgear and other items.
Vice principal Sean Morrison will be the acting principal and share administrative duties with vice principal Sharen Kucey until a new principal is hired, likely to be in place for September, though nothing specific has been decided.
