Mary started working at Benton in the fall of 1997, when her youngest started 3rd grade. Before that she volunteered at the Atkins center and substituted for food service in 3 of Benton's centers.
Since then, 3 of her children have graduated from Benton and are all married. Mary will have a granddaughter starting 3 year old preschool, in Atkins, this fall.
In the past 26 years, she have seen a lot of change in Atkins. The town has grown, so the school enrollment has increased tremendously. The growth has brought so many wonderful families to our school! Mary grew up in the Norway/Watkins area, so she has loved getting to know and work with her cousin's and classmate's grandchildren. Mary will miss their many hugs that she gets each day.
Mary says she will enjoy the extra time that retirement will allow her, to spend with her husband and grandchildren. Mary has enjoyed her years with Benton.