One thing was certain for Principal Dr. Kate Murray, she was going to hand her own two children their diplomas when they walked across the North graduation stage. However, this dream is no longer an option for Murray after making the difficult decision to resign from her administrative position along with all three administrators. 

Serving as Grosse Pointe North’s principal for 12 years, Murray cherishes all of the experiences she’s had with students, staff and parents of Norsemen. As one of four administrators, whom she refers to as “her family,” Murray values the many years spent with Michelle Davis, Catherine Vernier and Geoffrey Young. 

“I’m really proud of our kids,” Murray said. “For the teachers, what they accomplish here every day is miraculous. They’re incredibly talented and smart, but also the most compassionate staff, so they can meet kids where they are and take them beyond where they ever thought. I’ve always said this, ‘I’m the luckiest girl in town,’ because North parents are appreciative, they’re supportive and encouraging.”

While the administrators will not be working in the building after June 30, their quality leadership will remain with students such as Class of 2026 President Kristina-Marie Sabas. The small but impactful interactions she had with administrators throughout the school day helped her feel supported and recognized as a leader herself.

“They are really good role models in the sense that I learned from them on how to become a better leader with how they have led us at North with the past two years I’ve been here, and they’re really good admins,” Sabas said. “I can see how they connect with the students here at North.”

Building upon Sabas’s admiration for the administration’s vital role in the school, Murray emphasizes the importance of involving student voices in the district’s decision making process.

“I hope that when our central office leaders move forward in selecting the administrative staff here, that they call on you and that they include student voices, because that’s what we do here,” Murray said. “Our students know who fits the North mold and who does not, and I also hope that they value the input and feedback from the teaching staff as well.”

With hopes of students “protecting this house” by speaking out about issues they feel are pressing, maintaining North’s identity is imperative for students like Sabas. 

“Even though we are losing the four pillars of our house, I think we still have a really strong foundation with our other staff, like our counselors and our wonderful teachers here at North,” Sabas said. “I think that that’s going to be a key thing to keep our foundation strong with the loss of our admins, but we remain strong Norseman and united.”