West Central Reporter

Melissa Obert is having an amazing second year as principal of St. Mary School in Mt. Sterling.

“The staff, students and parents are absolutely wonderful,” Obert told West Central Reporter. “My favorite part of being principal is the ability to spend so much time with the students throughout the day. I want to ensure that the students at St. Mary School are receiving a challenging curriculum while learning 21st Century skills to help them be successful in their future. I want to also ensure that the teachers are receiving the resources they truly need – professional development, materials, time to collaborate, etc.”

Obert previously taught junior high and high school science for the Liberty Community School District #2 for 20 years. She became principal of St. Mary School in June 2018.

St. Mary School Principal Melissa Obert | http://www.smseagle.org/

“I want the community to see the value of a religious-based education,” Obert said. “Not only do the students receive an excellent education, but they have the ability to discuss how their beliefs and faith can truly affect every aspect of their life. We can offer a well-rounded education focusing on academics, religion and family value.”

Obert has a bachelor’s degree in biology and education from Culver-Stockton College, a private Christian liberal arts college in Canton, Missouri, and a master’s degree in special education from Quincy University. She chose to work in the education field because she loves to see children grow and learn.

“When students make connections or prove their hypotheses correct, I love the look on their faces,” Obert said. “Those ‘ah ha’ moments are priceless. I want to help students reach the potential that I see in them and have fun doing it.”

Obert, born and raised in Quincy, currently lives in Liberty with her husband and two sons. She has served as a volunteer for the Special Olympics and is a member of the Adams County Farm Bureau. 

Obert has also attended Catholic Heart Work Camp for the past four summers in the Minnesota, Montana, South Carolina and Tennessee. She has helped residents repair their homes and helped to renovate an underprivileged school.

While Obert doesn’t have much spare time due to her obtaining a second master’s degree in elementary administration, she does enjoy working out and attending spin classes.