Introducing Principal Aguilar!

Katie Mitchell' 21

Copy Editor

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Aguilar for this article to get a better understanding of what she will do for Louisville going forward and why she was interested in the principal position initially. When asked what made her want to be principal, she informed me that it was a process of discernment for her and it was not a job that she immediately jumped at. She loves the school and the community it brings, although she knows it is a huge responsibility:

“I wanted to make sure it was something I would do justice, give students what they deserved. I feel I have something to offer for the school to move forward.”

Dr. Aguilar naturally creates a safe environment for Louisville students and hopes to encourage her students to take healthy risks. It was a personal challenge of hers to overcome fear. She portrayed an example of this when going for the position of principal. She used her faith as her guidance while praying for clarity and believes the choice was in God’s hands. Dr. Aguilar looks forward to leading and growing the values that the school has started to bloom.

“I need to feel purposeful in the work that I do. What makes me so dedicated is that I fully believe in the mission of the sisters of St. Louis. Our mission and vision of women who shape the world.”

As I explained how much Louisville meant to me, she shared how Louisville inspires her and has made her so passionate about staying in such a devoted community. Dr. Aguilar explained her history of being a part of many other faculties before coming here. She has experienced both a co-ed and all-girl school but recognizes the benefits of an all-girl environment.

She believes that a single-sex campus develops more self-confidence which is vital for the transformative years of high school. Although boys are not scarce during one’s entirety of high school, the learning environment of strictly women allows four years to dedicate to themselves individually. In order for women to shape the world around them, they need to know who they are as an individual.

The current vice-principal has many ideas to bring to the Louisville students next year as she takes on the role of principal. Because we have gone through the pandemic, the school stretched in new ways to plan and change plans on short notice. Now that it becomes more hopeful of the state opening up and the cohorts coming back together on campus, Dr. Aguilar will have the discussion of the “new normal” and see what that looks like regarding the upcoming year. This action will take reacclimating as a community, dedicated time, and continued community building.

She will take charge in looking at areas of growth as an all-girls school. One of her main focuses will entail beginning to fill opportunity gaps for women and prepare our women to enter different areas of work. She will maintain the need to look towards growth and change, hoping to get students in the new innovation lab. She hopes departments will cross over in their curriculums and use the lab to engage students further. As we say goodbye to a significant legacy to Louisville’s history, we say hello to a new one. Although I graduate this year, I am excited to hear what amazing things Dr. Aguilar will do to better the school that has such a special place in my heart.

“My hope is that your high school experience provides you a myriad of opportunities to explore your identity and build self-love and self-confidence in who you are. I look forward to leading our school community in creating an educational experience for you that will be an affirmation of the unique gifts you each possess”- Dr. Aguilar