Cecilia Xie Birge was born and raised in China during the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution. Her early life involved time in labor camps as a result of her Western educated parents being subjected to "re-education." From a young age, Cecilia came to understand the value of resilience and a strong sense of justice. After the historic Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, Cecilia immigrated to America to complete her college education. She subsequently built a successful career as a bond analyst on Wall Street, and later relocated to Central Jersey to raise her four children.

Cecilia's dedication to education stems from her firm belief that quality education is a fundamental human right. Inspired by intellectual giants like Kofi Annan and Horace Mann, she believes that education stands as “the great equalizer of our time, as it gives hope to the hopeless and creates chances for those without.” 

For more than a decade, Cecilia has been a steady presence at Princeton High School. She taught math and special education, coached the Girls’ Volleyball Team, led the PHS Speech and Debate Team, and served as Assistant Principal for three years. In 2023, Cecilia was named Principal of Princeton High School, a position that has allowed her the opportunity to repay the community to which she feels deeply indebted. 

Cecilia holds a B.A. in History from Bryn Mawr College and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the Teachers College, Columbia University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Rutgers University. Cecilia is the first Asian American woman elected mayor in New Jersey.  She is also the first principal of Asian descent in Princeton Public Schools. 

Cecilia lives in the Jackson-Witherspoon Historic District in town. When she is not working, she can be found in the library (favorite genre: biographies), Small World Coffee (double latte to go) or Sakrid Coffee (large latte to go), a yoga studio in any place she travels to (always Bikram) or on a hiking trail (preferably in New England).
 

Rashone Johnson received his B.A. in corporate fitness from The College of New Jersey. He earned his Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision from Rider University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. A lifelong learner, Mr. Johnson earned 30 credits from the University of LaVerne, taking courses related to health education and wellness, and a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University in 2021.
 
Mr. Johnson taught health and physical education at Princeton High School and served as the Head Coach for Wrestling and the Head Coach for the Spring Boys’ Track and Field Team for 19 years before he became an Assistant Principal.  His passion for athletic excellence in the classroom, and in a team environment, is driven by his own experience as an Amateur Athletic Union Espoir Freestyle and Greco Roman Wrestling National Champion, an NCAA Division III All-American wrestler, and a US Olympic Wrestling Team Trial Regional Medalist. His dedicated support and steadfast encouragement helped lead the Wrestling and Spring Boys’ Track and Field teams to individual and team NJ State Championships and he received multiple Coach of the Year honors.
 
An Assistant Principal since 2019, Mr. Johnson is responsible for student/parent communication, intervention and referral services, restorative practices, teacher observations, and summer programing, and for facilities, transportation, safety and security, daily building operations at PHS and Affirmative Action Officer for the school district as well. He brings to his role a dedication to the success of all Princeton High School students and tremendous enthusiasm for fostering positive relationships within the entire PHS community. His goal as an educational leader is to help every student to reach their full potential.
 
Mr. Johnson is a Marvel and DC Universe aficionado. He enjoys spending time with his family, including watching his children grow as athletes: his son in elementary school soccer and wrestling, and his daughter in middle school basketball. 

Lauren Freedman is an Assistant Principal who earned her B.S. in Education with a Math concentration from Villanova University. She earned her M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Permian Basin.

Mrs. Freedman began teaching math at Princeton High School in 2008 and transitioned to Assistant Principal in 2023. She actively contributes to multiple PHS committees, offering support to both staff and students, while also engaging with various community organizations. She is a lifelong Princeton resident and a proud alumnus of PHS.

She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and cheering on her children during their activities: Princeton FC, basketball, dance, and McCarter Theatre. Mrs. Freedman loves going to Small World, Halo Pub and spending time at the beach in the summer.

As Assistant Principal, her goal is to continue working with the dedicated staff, students and families to prepare all students to lead lives of joy and purpose as knowledgeable, creative and compassionate citizens in our community.

Erica Marotta is an Assistant Principal who holds a B.S. in Technical Management and Computer Information Systems. She also earned a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Georgian Court University. She has dedicated most of her adult life to the education and well-being of students. Growing up, her mother instilled in her that “Education is the only thing that can’t be taken away from you.”

Mrs. Marotta was most recently a Computer Science Teacher at PHS and looks forward to challenge of cultivating the well-being and education of every child. In alignment with Princeton's mission, her vision is to play an integral role in preparing our students to lead fulfilling lives as informed, creative, and empathetic members of a global community.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends.

Diana Lygas is a school counselor who serves the PHS community as its Dean of Students.  Her office enhances our students’ experience, development and achievement through direct support, creating connections, and fostering an inclusive and engaging campus climate.  Mrs. Lygas is responsible for 9^th grade orientation and transition programs, our robust club program, and several campus activities.  In addition, she counsels students and groups and serves as the PHS Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Specialist.  She also serves as a member of the school administrative team and assists with general building supervision and operations.  Lygas chairs the PHS School Safety team related to HIB and serves on the PHS Stakeholder committees for school safety, traumatic loss, I&RS, Teen PEP and Peer Group. 

Mrs. Lygas has been at PHS since 2008 and her favorite part of counseling students is helping them work through their problems and pursue their passions. She especially enjoys spending time with students on special projects related to their clubs.   Mrs. Lygas has served as the advisor of the Prince yearbook for the past seven years and is the student council advisor to the class of 2021.

Mrs. Lygas attended Rutgers University as an undergraduate and earned her B.S. degree in Exercise Science and Sport Studies.  She earned her master’s degree in School Counseling at The College of New Jersey and holds state certification as a school counselor, supervisor, student assistance coordinator, and director of school counseling services.  She is currently taking courses to pursue principal certification and a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership.