LUDLOW, Vermont — The Okemo Mountain School (OMS) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mariel Meringolo has been hired to fill the interim head of school position for the upcoming winter term. Meringolo graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University in 2003. She has been a member of the OMS staff since 2004 and she has served in a number of different capacities: mathematics department head, development coordinator, special programs coordinator and admissions assistant.

“I am pleased to accept the position as interim head of school at Okemo Mountain School,” said Meringolo. “I have worked at the school for the last six years under the leadership of Wendy Neal, who during this time was a valuable mentor to me. Wendy’s hard work and dedication has built the school from a small experiment to a thriving sports academy. Her enthusiasm for athletics, academics, and the children with whom she has worked has left a lasting impression on the community. I look forward to the challenge of leading the school in this time of transition, and, furthermore, I am excited for the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid.”

Meringolo’s education and coaching background, coupled with her experience at OMS make her well suited for this position. “The board is looking forward to working with Mariel as we get closer to winter and the opening of school,” said OMS Board President Diane Mueller. “Her enthusiasm and energy are contagious and will serve the school well during this transition period.”

The OMS board plans to advertise the head of school position during the winter of 2011 after completing a visioning process to determine the future direction of the school. While undertaking this process, Meringolo will provide the stability and quality that have characterized Wendy Neal’s tenure as the OMS head of school. Although Neal is leaving OMS, she will begin working with Meringolo immediately to help with preparations for the opening of school on November 1 and will also be available in the coming months for consultation.

Many successful athletes have trained on the slopes of Okemo Mountain Resort as students at Okemo Mountain School. OMS students are highly motivated individuals and the school addresses the needs of these talented skiers and snowboarders, grades 7 through 12, by providing them with an opportunity to train daily and work toward their competitive athletic goals while maintaining high academic standards.

Academics are a priority during the intense, full-time training and competition schedule. Instructional time is designed with a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to excel at subjects they might otherwise find challenging. The coaching that OMS students receive is unparalleled. An experienced staff of alpine, freeride and snowboard coaches sees to it that each student athlete reaches his or her own personal competitive potential. For athletic training, Okemo Mountain Resort provides on-hill time to the school.

The opportunities for personal growth at OMS are endless. Students at OMS are immersed in an atmosphere encouraging respect for self, peers, and community as well as perseverance and responsibility. For more information about Okemo Mountain School, visit http://www.okemomountainschool.org/