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Monte Vista welcomes new principal

Jan 29, 2019 11:41AM ● By Julie Slama

In January, Monte Vista Elementary welcomed a new principal, Nan Ririe. (Photo courtesy of Nan Ririe)

By Julie Slama | [email protected]

With the new elementary set to open in Herriman in the fall, Meredith Doleac departed Monte Vista Elementary for the challenge, leaving the door open to welcome Nan Ririe.

“I am thrilled, excited and nervous as I begin this new journey but fully believe by working together, we can accomplish much,” she said about her first appointment as principal.

Since last July, Ririe has been serving as assistant principal at Blackridge and Foothills elementary schools, both in Herriman.

“I started later than most, waiting until my [three] children graduated from high school,” she said about earning her Bachelor of Science from Utah State University and her master’s degree and administrative license from Southern Utah University. “I love learning new things and challenging myself to stretch beyond what I thought possible.”

In addition to her three grown children, she has seven grandchildren, three of which are immersed in Chinese dual immersion in Canyons School District. 

Monte Vista Elementary offers dual-immersion education in Chinese.

Ririe has taught at Sunrise Elementary in Sandy, Hayden Peak Elementary in West Jordan, and Rose Creek Elementary in Riverton. The last three years before becoming an assistant principal, she was a Brigham Young University facilitator at Rose Creek.

“I love to walk around in the lunchroom establishing relationships with the students; it's one of the highlights of my day,” she said.

In her free time, Ririe and her husband cheer on the University of Utah Utes, and she is a Los Angeles Dodger fan.

“Last year, we went to opening day at Dodger Stadium; (it was) so much fun,” she said. 

They also explore national parks in the Western United States.

“We have been to all five national parks in the state and enjoy exploring the beauty of the state,” she said.

Doleac was principal at Monte Vista the past seven years. 

Monte Vista, built is 1977, serves about 825 students and is a Leader in Me school, which teaches students to learn leadership and build positive character traits.