Voronin was appointed to his position and approved at the June 17 AISD School Board meeting. As of next school year, he will take the position of Lisa Van Gemert, who is returning to teaching at Lamar High School.

“I am happy to serve the wonderful students at Martin High School,” Voronin said. “I look forward to this fantastic opportunity.”

His various achievements that qualify him for this position were important aspects in his selection by a committee of Martin faculty and staff. He’s a 1987 Texas Tech alumnus with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and he received a Master’s degree in Education at the University of Texas at El Paso in 1999.

“He was chosen for his experience and his personality,” assistant principal and selection committee member Luann Kennedy said. “It’s not just how he works with the kids. We also looked at how he would work with the whole team.”

Previously, Voronin was employed as an interim assistant principal in El Paso ISD and as an assistant principal in DeSoto and Kennedale school districts. As soon as he moved to Arlington in 2002, he began hearing many positive remarks about Martin.

“You always see people around town with Martin shirts, pants and even socks,” Voronin said. “There’s a lot of school pride.”

Although he will be new to campus, there are some familiar faces. He met assistant principal Tommy Scott at LA Fitness, assistant principal Juan Villarreal at Albertson’s and principal Melinda Reeves at superintendent classes.

“I actually knew Richard Ellis, the history teacher, since 2002 when we worked together in DeSoto ISD,” Voronin said.

As far as his own schooling went, Voronin generally followed the rules and only played an occasional prank.

“I was never sent to my assistant principal because I knew what the consequences would be when I got home,” Voronin said. “However, one time we did push the superintendent’s truck behind the football stadium to hide it from him.”

Voronin has participated in powerlifting for close to 20 years. He became very successful, winning many awards and titles, including placing second six times in worldwide competition and was senior national champion four times.

“But I’ve lost 90 pounds since then,” Voronin said.

Some of the differences Voronin is adjusting to coming from Kennedale are that high school students there had two lunches as opposed to one. The fine for cell phones being taken up was only $10, and the phones were allowed to be visible as long as they were turned off. A more significant difference is that in his last school, students were not mandated to wear IDs, but were only required to produce them if asked.

“But that was a disadvantage,” Voronin said. “Anyone who looked young enough could just walk in. It’s not as safe.”

When dealing with discipline, Voronin said he can keep control of his students calmly. He may look intimidating, but he is known to be relaxed and straightforward, not stressing easily over small things.

“I don’t make idle threats that I can’t keep,” Voronin said. “I always follow through.”

Voronin has a unique idea on how students should behave. He promotes the “Platinum Rule” as the most important value.

“Treat others better than you would like to be treated,” Voronin said. “It’s higher than the Golden Rule.”

As he becomes part of this community, he aims toward having a positive impact on the school. Voronin’s specific goals for Martin are to help more students to succeed and to increase the graduation rate.

“I am elated to be a part of the Martin family and tradition,” Voronin said. “I’ve been rejuvenated.”