Last week's program was a Classification Talk by Dr. Mary Templeton, Superintendent of the Lake Stevens School District. Mary has been a Rotarian for seven years starting in Camas Washougal and transferring to our Club in August 2024 when she became the our Superintendent.
Mary commented that Classification Talks evolved when Paul Harris founded Rotary International in 1905. In the early 1900s, bankers and professionals were asked to discuss their professional and personal backgrounds with other Club members. It wasn't until the 1980s that women were admitted to join Rotary.
Mary was raised in the Portland area, schooled in the Beaverton School District, and attended the University of Oregon, concentrating on theatre and the German language. She spent some time in Germany honing her German language skills. She has one sister in education and one in opera. Music and the arts are important to her which started in her childhood, with her mother playing the violin and participating in theatre and was in several plays in her youth.
Met her husband in California who passed away about five years ago. She has three adult children. Her children are runners and play the violin. Her children are Brenda, Nick, and Tyler. All very important to Mary as they enjoy their vocations in poetry, running, boxing, and one running his own film company.
She wasn't drawn to education or teaching in her early years. However, she attended California State University to get her teacher's degree and taught in Modesto. The joy of learning and teaching captured her and she only spoke German in the classroom. Students were surprised when she spoke English in public.
A little theatre was always in her daily routine. She received her Master's Degree from Eastern Washington and one of her professors convinced her to consider a career as a school principal. She went to WSU to get her Doctorate in School District leadership.
In closing, Mary acknowledged that the School Board approved going for another chance at their School Bond Issue on February 11th.
Welcome to Lake Stevens and the Lake Stevens Rotary Club, Mary. She is energetic, a runner and a proven leader. Please welcome Mary to our community.