Fredericksburg Parent

22 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2021 Marceline Catlett was once a student of the Fredericksburg City public school system. She is now their first African- American superintendent. "I have come full-circle," she says. A lifelong learner and natural teacher, Catlett has always possessed the desire to lead and serve. She chose to funnel that energy into public education, where she has served for 40 years—13 years as a teacher and 27 years in administration. "I always loved learning, school and the educational process," says Catlett. "I love children and people and have always admired my teachers. I consider every situ- ation a teachable moment." Just as important as her passion for edu- cation is her understanding of how her example affects the children in her life. "I am a role model," she explains. "You sign up for that when you choose to be a mother and teacher. As teachers, we are professional parents. In Loco Parentis—in place of a parent." Catlett firmly believes that being a mom made her a better educator. Catlett and her late-husband, Vic, poured their all into raising their son, Mario, who admires his mother for always being avail- able, for her listening skills and lessons in morality, and for the calming effect she imparts. What's next for Catlett and FCPS? "Our goal is to move forward and upward, leading at the speed of change," she says. Catlett's words to live by: "You can find an answer to any life challenge between two hard covers." According to Miriam-Webster's dictionary, someone who manages their home is called a homemaker, but Nikki Ducas prefers the acro- nym CFO, Chief Family Officer. "I make sure my children are edu- cated and maintain basic hygiene, and I keep a tidy living environ- ment," she says. "I teach them to my standards and will hopefully train them to be self-sufficient young adults." Five years ago, Ducas decided to dedicate even more of herself to her family by taking on the enormous task of homeschooling her two boys, James (12) and Marc (8). "I love being here to see them learn, develop, and do everything together," she says. Good days or bad days, this devoted mom would not want to have it any other way. "I wouldn't want anyone else to do what I do for them daily." Ducas attributes her ability to focus on family care to the fact that she and her husband, Peter, are such a strong team. "We make all financial, child- rearing and major life deci- sions together," she explains. The couple has been "inseparable" for over 23 years and will celebrate their eigh- teenth wedding anniversary in October. She values the example their loving and respectful relationships sets for their boys. Ducas' words to live by: "Try, try again. Practice makes better. Don't doubt yourself." "You can fi nd an answer to any life challenge between two hard covers." MARCELINE MARCELINE CATLETT Superintendent of Fredericksburg City Public Schools NIKKI NIKKI DUCAS Homemaker Try, try again. Practice makes better. Donʼt doubt yourself."

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