This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Mary Cunningham, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, for her 18 years of exceptional service to the district! With her deep commitment to fostering collaboration, building relationships, and supporting the district’s mission, Mary’s work has touched the lives of countless staff, students, and families throughout the community.
Mary’s journey at SDoL has been marked by a deep passion that everyone deserves to feel valued. A proud alumna of McCaskey High School, she embodies the district’s spirit in everything she does, advocating for others and consistently working to make the district a better place for all.
“I truly believe that we can grow and achieve when we all work together,” Cunningham said. “That’s what I love about working here—the opportunity to collaborate and engage with staff and the community to positively impact our students and families.”
Her role as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent allows her to work closely with the School Board, where she finds inspiration in their volunteerism and commitment to making decisions with great care, always keeping the needs of students, staff, and families in mind. “The School Board members are truly dedicated to the district, and their thoughtful decision-making motivates me daily,” Mary shared. “It’s a privilege to be part of such a team, and I’m constantly learning from their example.”
In addition to her work with the School Board, Mary cherishes her daily interactions with Dr. Miles, the Superintendent, who she describes as a lifelong learner. “Dr. Miles has a way of inspiring new perspectives every day,” she said. “I believe that together, we can grow, learn, and achieve even more for our students.”
Mary’s contributions to SDoL go beyond her role as Executive Assistant. She is a source of encouragement, support, and positivity for everyone she interacts with. Whether offering guidance, facilitating important conversations, or simply lending a listening ear, Mary’s impact is felt across the district in ways both big and small.
Mary is also a passionate lifelong learner, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Penn College in 2018, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is now working toward becoming a Notary Public, and this year, she earned the Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) from the American Society of Administrative Professionals.
Outside of work, Mary’s love for food, cooking, and travel bring her joy. She fondly remembers her trip to Hawaii and has recently found a new hobby—planting and nurturing her very own vegetable garden. Her efforts have paid off, with her coworkers benefiting from donations of homegrown produce, including a giant zucchini and some of the sweetest tomatoes they’ve ever tasted.
But perhaps one of Mary’s most memorable moments this year was when she appeared on Wheel of Fortune. Meeting Pat Sajak and Vanna White was an unforgettable experience, and her colleagues were thrilled to cheer her on as she shared this special moment with her granddaughter.
A colleague shared, “Mary embodies kindness, compassion, and a spirit of doing ‘whatever it takes’ to support all staff members. She makes everyone feel welcome and empowered to ask questions. It’s clear that she is committed to the mission of our district, and through her support, we can focus on the important work that helps our students thrive. My day is always brighter when I get the chance to interact with her.”
Thank you, Mary, for all that you do to make SDoL a better place for everyone.
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Together We Can …
Make a difference! The School District of Lancaster is looking for talented, committed professionals to join our team. Immediate openings in leadership, teaching and support staff! For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE.