LETTER OF THE WEEK -- Parents commend Don Martin for his work as

principal

As parents of a student at Corona del Mar High School, we would like

to commend the Daily Pilot for the excellent editorial regarding the

positive impact of Don Martin, principal of Corona del Mar High School

(“Good job, Mr. Principal,” Jan. 25). The hallmark of a leader such as

Martin is to organize and encourage the Corona del Mar High School

community of students, faculty and parents to strive for excellence.

In a rebuttal to your editorial, Julie Hutchinson states that Don

Martin doesn’t deserve all of the credit (“Principal doesn’t deserve all

the credit,” Jan. 27) for the success of Corona del Mar High School.

While we agree that it is the hard work and dedication of the “teachers,

counselors, classified staff, coaches, students, parents and

administrators who contribute as a team to all the successes of our

school,” we emphatically reiterate the editorial’s emphasis that it takes

a strong, caring and dedicated leader to ensure everyone’s efforts are

directed positively.

It is through Martin’s leadership that Corona del Mar High School has

celebrated some its greatest successes. It is because of Martin’s

tireless efforts and expert guidance that the middle school at Corona del

Mar has achieved a “true middle school environment” and become a

wonderful place for middle school students. It was under Don Martin’s

aegis and direction that Corona del Mar was named a Blue Ribbon School, a

California Distinguished School and received a six-year Western Assn. of

Schools and Colleges reaccreditation (the most a school can receive).

Most of the students and parents who attend the school now were not

present prior to Martin’s arrival and therefore may have a limited basis

to appreciate the school’s accomplishments on his watch. But we are

convinced that Martin’s departure from the school is a huge loss. He will

be missed terribly.

We would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Martin for

the wonderful efforts he has made to ensure that each and every student

at Corona del Mar receives an outstanding education in a safe and

friendly environment. Thank you for all you have helped us to accomplish

-- you are truly a gifted leader and marvelous individual. We will miss

seeing your warm and caring smile at Corona del Mar High School. We wish

you the very best in all your future endeavors.

CARL AND SANDY COLLIER

Newport Beach