By: William Jones
At Marian Middle School, leadership isn’t just about the title – it’s about the people, the passion, and the vision that help drive the school forward. Enter Principal Sierhah Price, who has steadily made her mark with her mix of heart, humor, and a strong sense of leadership. With over 10 years of experience in education, Sierhah understands how to navigate challenges, keep the team motivated, and—perhaps most importantly—create an environment where students have the opportunity to not only succeed but thrive. For over 25 years, the school has served as a trusted resource for young girls in the St. Louis region, offering transformative education to break the cycle of poverty for girls with limited means, but great potential.
A Journey Full of Surprises
Sierhah’s path to becoming Principal wasn’t exactly a straight line—more like a well-thought-out zig-zag, full of exciting twists. Starting her career as a math teacher at Marian, she quickly realized that understanding student needs goes beyond the numbers on the board. “Teaching math wasn’t just about the equations—it was about making those girls feel like they could get the equation right,” she laughs.
After teaching for five years, she switched gears, earning an MBA with a focus on data analytics (because who doesn’t love a good spreadsheet?) and stepping into the corporate world. From there, Sierhah served in a variety of C-suite education consulting roles, honing her leadership style and skills that would later play a significant role in her position as Principal at Marian. But the real turning point? She helped launch an internship program that connected students with opportunities to explore career interests—a decision that laid the groundwork for her current role as Principal, where she’s now dedicated to advancing educational excellence, supporting staff, and creating a positive, empowering space for all students.
Photo Courtesy: Sierhah Price
Leadership That’s All About Growth—and Fun
If there’s one thing Sierhah has learned over the years, it’s that leadership isn’t just about making quick decisions or playing it safe. “I’ve learned that great leadership is about understanding people—not rushing to solve problems but really listening, connecting, and building relationships,” she explains.
It’s this thoughtful and patient approach that has shaped the way she leads Marian. And let’s face it—being a principal isn’t always easy, but Sierhah makes it look effortless (and a little bit fun, too). “Honestly, there’s no shortage of humor around here,” she says with a grin. “I’m all about tackling tough challenges with a smile—because if you can laugh through the chaos, you’ll get a lot more done.”
The Power of GRIT: A Leadership Philosophy That Sticks
At Marian, Sierhah leads with one very important acronym in mind: GRIT. “We use it as this year’s guiding principles—Godliness, Resilience, Integrity, and Togetherness,” she says. For her, leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real. “I share my struggles with the team because I want them to know leadership is messy sometimes, and that’s okay,” she explains.
Sierhah doesn’t just preach these values—she actively lives them. Whether she’s navigating school challenges or celebrating small wins, she keeps faith, resilience, and collaboration at the heart of it all. “The goal is to create a space where everyone, from the faculty to the students, feels empowered and supported,” she adds. “When we embrace GRIT, we build a community that thrives on strength and unity.”
Faith, Fun, and Forward Thinking
If there’s one thing that truly defines Sierhah’s leadership style, it’s her deep-rooted faith. She’s quick to point out that it’s not just an influence—it’s the foundation. “Everything I do is grounded in faith,” she says with a smile. “From the big decisions to the everyday moments, I trust that God is guiding us toward what’s best for the school and the students.”
Whether it’s through a prayer before a big meeting or pausing for a moment of gratitude, Sierhah leads with intention. But she’s also not afraid to keep it lighthearted. “Faith isn’t just about being serious all the time—it’s also about finding joy and purpose in the work we do,” she says. Although a significant percentage of the students Marian serves face poverty, a large number of students graduate on time, and many go on to post-secondary institutions. Tears of joy and pride often shine in the eyes of staff and faculty as they attend the graduations of Marian alumna, cheering them on as they step across the stage, diploma in hand.
It’s this combination of focus and fun that makes Sierhah such an effective leader—she brings people together and lifts them up, all while keeping the vibe positive and the energy high.
Photo Courtesy: Sierhah Price
What’s Next? The Future’s Looking Bright
As Principal, Sierhah is excited for Marian’s future. She’s been busy carrying forward the school’s strategic vision even during uncertain times, ensuring that it stays true to its mission while innovating to meet the needs of an ever-changing community. “We’ve got big plans, and we’re going to continue to grow with intention,” she says. “But no matter how much we evolve, the heart of Marian will always be about building relationships and empowering girls.”
With her steady hands, bold vision, and a sense of humor that helps keep the team grounded, Sierhah Price is making Marian Middle School a place where students—and staff—feel inspired, valued, and prepared to take on the world.
“I’m here to make a difference, and I know with this incredible team, we’re just getting started,” Sierhah says, her eyes shining with excitement. “Together, we’re going to keep making Marian a place where every girl can dream big and reach even bigger.”
