CHARLEMONT, MA — Mohawk science teacher and “Science Educator of the Year” award-winner Samantha B. Rutz has been hired to serve as Hawlemont Regional School principal, starting this July.

According to School Superintendent Michael Buoniconti, Rutz has more than 10 years of experience of teaching. Her current position is as seventh-grade science teacher at the Mohawk Trail Regional Middle School.

“In her position at Mohawk, which she has held since the fall of 2012, Ms. Rutz has developed a curriculum centered on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and project-based learning.”

I am very confident that Samantha’s exceptional performance in the classroom and demonstrated leadership among her peers will translate into similar success as the instructional leader of Hawlemont,” Buoniconti said. “Her passion for science and project-based learning will no doubt support the continued development and success of the Hawlemont HAY (Hawlemont, Agriculture and You) program.”