After former principal Angie Tims retired from 20 years at the high school helm, a new face is around for the 2024-2025 school year, and principal Michael Martinak’s friendly smile and styling suits greet students every morning.
“Aledo is one of those special places you always keep your eye on, and that you know special things are going on over here,” Martinak said. “The position seemed too good to be true, and I had to put my name in there somehow. Have to thank the Big Man up stairs.”
Students said Martinak’s presence on campus has showed his authority while demonstrating his character.
“My first impression was he was a very, very uniformed man and very respectable as well,” junior Mark Hado said. “He seems to be someone who get who’s always on task and who knows what he’s talking about.”
Along with his knowledge, students said they appreciate the kindness Martinak shows those around him. According to freshman London Evans, Martinak has been kind to her whenever she’s met with him or seen in him the hallways.
“I feel he will be a good fit for Aledo,” Evans said. “He was very nice to me was friendly and kind.”
To students and Martinak, Aledo is not just any other public school. The difference lies within in the community.
“The difference about Aledo really came out with the amount of community support,” Martinak said. “Just the amount of all the involvement from all of the students on display.”
One instance of that display came out in full swing during homecoming.
“That parade was insane. The amount of people that were there, the amount of floats, every organization had one, and they put a lot of effort and time into those floats,” Martinak said. “Even when it was done it was not over. People just moved to the stadium and the stands were full. Full of support for our school and students and programs. I think that speaks volumes of what is going on here. Aledo is just a good place to be.”