LOS LUNAS — Nimrah Marquez is excited to begin the school year as the new principal of Los Lunas Middle School.
Nimrah Marquez
LLMS principal
Marquez, who was most recently the learning innovations coach at Los Lunas High School, is looking forward to building relationships at the school and bringing the excitement of school and education back to LLMS.
“Things have changed so much since COVID, including education, so I’m excited to bring back that excitement of being in school and being able to attend school sporting events, assemblies and to be able to really recognize our students for their achievements,” said Marquez.
Marquez started her career in education as a teacher in Los Lunas Schools. She taught at Katherine Gallegos and Ann Parish elementary schools. After that, she became an assistant principal at a middle school in Socorro and then served as a principal for the Laguna Department of Education before returning to LLS.
“Los Lunas is home. I was born and raised in Valencia County, so I was super excited to come back and serve the community where I’ve grown up,” she said.
Marquez obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies in 2018 and has recently earned a PhD in education with a concentration in organizational leadership.
“I’ve always wanted to be a principal. That’s why I ended up pursuing it as far as my masters,” said Marquez. “I have always been interested in the leadership side of education in addition to the teaching and classroom side.”
Marquez said she enjoys middle school because it’s an important time of transition for students going from elementary into high school and into a higher level of learning, which she enjoys.
Deborah Elder, the district’s chief academic officer of instruction, accountability, and innovation, said Marquez is highly regarded in LLS.
“I know that she will listen to all staff and hold consistent expectations,” Elder said in a letter posted on the district’s Facebook page. “She knows the diversity of the LLMS community well. I am confident that she will be an excellent leader for LLMS.”
Felina Martinez was born and raised in Valencia County. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2021. During her time at UNM, she studied interdisciplinary film, digital media and journalism. She covers the village of Los Lunas, Los Lunas Schools, the School of Dreams Academy and the town of Peralta.
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April 25, 2024
