MAMARONECK, NY (May 30, 2022) — Current MHS Assistant Principal Lina M. Carolini-Cannavò will assume the Principal position at Mamaroneck High School, effective July 1, 2022, when Elizabeth Clain retires after 26 years with the District. The MHS Principal search involved students, parents, staff members and administrators looking to ensure that the next leader of Mamaroneck High School builds on the progress made during Ms. Clain’s tenure.
“Ms. Carolini-Cannavò has proven to be an effective and dynamic leader at the high school, and we are excited to welcome her to this new position,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Shaps in announcing a resolution passed by the BOE at this evening’s Board meeting. “As a key member of the MHS leadership team, Ms. Cannavò has promoted a collaborative leadership style fostering an inclusive, caring and rigorous learning environment for all students.”
In her five years as AP, Ms. Cannavò has spent her time developing meaningful relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff. In addition to her daily responsibilities with students and faculty, she also serves as the coordinator of Section 504 plans for the high school, oversees student activities, and leads professional development and other school committees. She describes working with and assisting students, both in and out of the classroom, as her most passionate professional responsibility.
Ms. Cannavò has deep ties to the community, as she was raised in Mamaroneck and still resides locally with her husband and three children. Reflecting on this tremendous opportunity to lead Mamaroneck High School into the future, she notes, “I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve as the next principal of Mamaroneck High School. I care deeply about our students, their achievement, and social-emotional growth and am committed to helping all students find joy in learning, as well as a sense of belonging here at MHS. I look forward to my continued work with the students, faculty, staff, and families that make this school community so extraordinary.”
Ms. Cannavò began her teaching career at Preston High School in the Bronx after graduating magna cum laude from Fordham University with a double major in Spanish and Italian Language and Literature. While teaching at Preston, she completed her Masters in Teaching with a concentration in Spanish at Iona College. At both Fordham and Iona, Ms. Cannavò was recognized for her academic excellence with the Modern Language and Education Departmental awards. Throughout the course of her education, Ms. Cannavò spent time living in Italy and Spain, where she became immersed in the study of language, literature, and culture.
As a teacher in Rye Neck for ten years, Ms. Cannavò taught Spanish and Italian in courses ranging from entry level language courses to the Advanced Placement/college level classes. Ms. Cannavò demonstrated strong teacher leadership throughout her years in the classroom, serving as a member of the district’s Professional Development Committee and assisting in the implementation of district-wide data teams. Ms. Cannavò found her roles as class advisor, club moderator, and field hockey coach especially rewarding. During this time, Ms. Cannavò completed a Certificate of Advanced Study in Manhattanville College’s School Building and School District Educational Leadership program, culminating in her recognition as the award of excellence recipient. Ms. Cannavò also collaborated with Mamaroneck’s Community Resource Center to lead parent workshops conducted in Spanish regarding academic programming.