BEECH RETIRES

The Murray County Central community is preparing to bid farewell to long-time school counselor Mary Beech as she announced her retirement at the end of this school year. She and her therapy dog Rebel will move to central Minnesota this summer to be closer to family and begin a more relaxing schedule after a busy career.

Mrs. Beech began work as a school paraprofessional after her own children were in school. “I was a para for three years while I was working on my master’s degree,” explained Mary. Her undergraduate degrees were in youth ministry and psychology and she remarked she has always liked working with teenagers. After completing her advanced degree she worked for four years at Marshall High School and the Alternative school. For the past eighteen years Mrs. Beech has served the Murray County Central district, the hometown of her late husband John and the school system where their three children were raised. “The title used to be ‘guidance counselor’,” explained Mary, “but now we are called school counselors and the work includes academic, career and personal counseling.” Her job responsibilities are wide, varied and unique. “For all but two of my eighteen years here I have also been the Testing Coordinator,” said Mrs. Beech. Additionally she served as the Student Council advisor for fourteen years, a position she especially enjoyed. She said, “I loved working with those students, encouraging them, building their leadership skills and guiding them in community service.” She is especially proud of the response to the Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser that she and the Student Council began about ten years ago. “I was so nervous before that first event,” reflected Mary. “I wondered if anyone would come to this basketball game. But the gym was full and I still can’t believe how much money people bring and donate! This year the event raised $12,000! It’s incredible.” In her years here Mrs. Beech has also served as teacher/ advisor for the Honor Society, TEAM and the Bully Intervention Task Force. She plans the 7th-12th grade student schedules every year and assists with schedule changes, coordinates all of the college level courses taught in the high school and many, many other tasks. On reflection, Mrs. Beech stated her highlights have been the Coaches vs. Cancer events, Homecoming activities and the graduation ceremony and parties. “It is so rewarding to see how each of the students has grown and I love encouraging them to follow their dreams.” Mary added that earning the Minnesota School Counselor of the Year award was very gratifying and the trip with her son Dan to accept the award in Washington, D.C. is a very special memory. “I’m also really proud of how our senior scholarship program has grown over the years,” said Mrs. Beech. “When I started the first year we distributed $7800, but this year seniors will be given over $50,000 in scholarships.”

One of Mrs. Beech’s last projects was adopting and training her dog Rebel to work as a therapy dog at school. “I told Mr. Meyer I wanted to keep challenging myself professionally and he was so supportive.” Rebel works with Mary at school most days and he has provided many, many hours of therapeutic service to the Central elementary and high school students.

As Mrs. Beech completes her duties and prepares for days of retirement, she expresses gratitude for the coworkers who have been an important part of her career. She reflected, “I’m so thankful for everyone and how well we work as a team. And I’m thankful to the whole community for all they did through John’s illness and death.” Her future plans include a move to a comfortable new home, introducing Rebel to residents at nursing homes, care centers and perhaps schools and maybe even subbing for high school classes. “I won’t be idle, but I’m looking forward to more time with my family,” she said. A special retirement party is planned for Mary at the Left Bank Cafe in Slayton on Tuesday, May 31st from 3:15-4:30pm. Stop by to share a hug and wish this influential, positive leader all the best!