MCAS Legacy: Holly Martinez, '02

Little Wolves Early Learning Center is increasingly many families’ first connection to Michigan City Area Schools and has grown into a trusted choice for Pre-K in our community. Leading the building is none other than 2002 MCHS graduate Holly Applegate Martinez.

A product of the district herself, Martinez attended Edgewood Elementary, Barker Middle School, Michigan City Junior High, and Michigan City High School. She went on to receive a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Indiana University Bloomington and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University

Martinez returned to the district as an instructional coach for Springfield Elementary after teaching in Chicago. In 2016, she received her Building Level Administrator’s Certification from IU and has since contributed significantly to its educational mission through a variety of roles: Dean of Students for Lake Hills & Pine Elementary Schools, Principal at Knapp Elementary, Data Coach, and Little Wolves support.

Today, she serves as Director of Little Wolves Early Learning Center, helping ensure the district's youngest learners and their families begin their educational journey with a strong foundation.

“I believe that it takes a village to support all children and am proud that I was able to return to my hometown to do just that,” she said. “I love being able to give back to the village that shaped me into the person I am today.”

Martinez credits her upperclassman experience as one of the most positive experiences from her time as an MCAS student.

“I feel that once I became an MCHS student, things really shifted for me. I was getting more involved in activities, sports, Chorale, theater, and trying to prepare myself for college and beyond,” she said. 

“I look back and reflect on the incredible teachers, like Mr. Rich Lenard, and my counselor, Linda Meyer, who helped guide me in the right direction. Linda and some of my former teachers helped me learn what it felt like to work hard to achieve what I wanted and encouraged me to follow my dreams of attending Indiana University Bloomington.” Now, Martinez provides that same encouragement to a new generation of students, striving to be the kind of mentor for them that Mr. Lenard, Ms. Meyer, and so many others were for her.

The Little Wolves director has plenty of cherished memories with her peers as well, her junior year prom at the top of the list.

“We transformed the MCHS gym into this whimsical balloon ceiling event space. We spent hours after school that entire week trying to make the gym not look like a gym. We were so proud of the work we accomplished.”

She also has many fun memories from her extracurriculars, reminiscing on soccer game bus rides and Chorale’s own Christmas CD.

More than two decades after graduating from Michigan City High School, Martinez is helping shape the next generation of Wolves. Through Little Wolves Early Learning Center, she is ensuring that many families' first experience with Michigan City Area Schools is one built on care, encouragement, and the same sense of community that inspired her to return home.

Learn more about the Little Wolves Early Learning Center by visiting their website or following them on Facebook.