The Martin County School District is pleased to announce that Mercedes Thurston has been appointed as assistant principal of Spectrum Academy for the 2025–2026 school year.
A dedicated educator and transformational leader, Ms. Thurston brings nearly 25 years of experience supporting student achievement and fostering learning environments. She has spent the last year serving as Dean of Students at Spectrum Academy, where she has already made a powerful impact through her work with students, staff, and community partners.
Throughout her career, Ms. Thurston has been committed to helping every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She is known for her ability to cultivate inclusive school culture and her collaborative leadership style. In addition to her experience at Spectrum, she served in multiple roles at South Fork High School over the course of more than two decades, including Dean of Students, Literacy Coach, and English and Reading Teacher.
At Spectrum Academy, Ms. Thurston has built strong community partnerships with local agencies such as Project Lift and Elv8Hope, and chaired the school’s Threat Management Team—all while working directly with students in court advocacy, behavior support, and academic goal setting.
Ms. Thurston holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stetson University. She also has presented at national conferences on best practices for student engagement and dropout prevention.
As assistant principal, Ms. Thurston will continue to lead with compassion and purpose, empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their fullest potential.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Mercedes Thurston on her well-deserved promotion!