Sunrise proclaims 'Marie Hartigan Day,' honors retiring Piper High principal

Mayor Michael J. Ryan declared Feb. 10, 2026, “Marie Hartigan Day” in the City of Sunrise, presenting a proclamation that lauded Hartigan’s 26-year career and 20 years with Broward County Public Schools, including her tenure as Piper High School principal.

The mayor credited Hartigan with leading Piper’s turnaround, expanding access to advanced coursework and building feeder‑school partnerships. “Marie Hoddigan has been an amazing principal at Piper High School,” Ryan said, noting the school’s improved performance and community programs under her leadership. Commissioners and community leaders echoed those remarks, citing programs such as Cambridge and dual‑enrollment pathways and the city’s support for school resource needs.

Hartigan, who told the commission she had not expected the recognition, said the work at Piper “gave me a sense of purpose every single day” and urged continued collaboration between the city, schools and community. “These are the individuals who will move forward and shape this world,” she said, asking officials to keep children first in policy decisions.

Local organizations — including the Sunrise Chamber and the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce — joined the ceremony, and students from Piper High School’s band performed. The commission concluded the item with a round of applause and a photo opportunity; the proclamation will be recorded in the city’s minutes.

The proclamation and remarks concluded with the commission encouraging community participation in school partnerships and continuing recognition of educators’ contributions.