Erich Martens
Diane Moeller
Erich Martens ’97 is the 2013 Minnesota High School Principal of the Year while Diane (Guggenberger) Moeller ’77 ’82 was honored as the state’s 2013 Science and Mathematics Elementary and Middle Level Principal of the Year.
Martens, principal of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School for the past decade, received his award at the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) Winter Conference in January.
MASSP recognized Martens for his organizational purpose and setting priorities for his staff, the district and the community. They also recognized the 32-40 percent gains in the school’s reading and math since 2007.
In May 2012, Martens was named Central Minnesota’s Principal of the Year.
Martens holds a master’s degree in educational administration from St. Cloud State.
Moeller’s award came from the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association. It recognizes the importance of fostering lifelong science literacy and honors principals’ roles in encouraging interest in math and science.
Moeller leads Kennedy Community School, an energy-efficient, eco-friendly public school in St. Joseph. The preschool through eighth-grade building has geothermal heat, an innovative ventilation system and 20-plus acres of low-maintenance prairie plantings.
She chairs the science curriculum committee for St. Cloud Area School District 742 and collaborates with Saint John’s University arboretum personnel on science curriculum standards and field trips.
In 2006, Moeller was named one of 65 National Distinguished Principals by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Moeller holds St. Cloud State bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education.
