[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E449-E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE CAREER OF MARY MACKBEE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2019

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Mackbee on a 
remarkable 53-year career in public education as she prepares to retire 
as principal of Saint Paul's Central High School. Mary is a highly 
gifted educator, and far more--a civic leader in Minnesota's Capital 
City, a mentor to students, teachers, and parents alike and a model of 
what it means to be an engaged and caring member of the community.
  Growing up in New Orleans, Mary attended segregated schools. Her 
teachers became vital to her life, so much so that by the time she was 
in 9th grade she knew that being a public educator was her life's 
calling. After attending Xavier University of Louisiana where she 
studied Social Studies and English, Mary was recruited to begin her 
teaching career here in Minnesota. So it was in September of 1966 that 
she embarked on what would become a career spanning more than five 
decades, primarily in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
  Mary began as a classroom teacher before moving to positions as 
principal and district administrator in the Saint Paul Public Schools. 
She ultimately returned to the role she loved more than any other in 
1993. As principal of Saint Paul's Central High School, the oldest 
continuously operating high school in the state of Minnesota, she has 
overseen the education of an estimated 13,000 students during her 
tenure. She has earned a reputation as an ardent advocate for the arts 
and extracurricular programs, and is a frequent attendee of Central's 
various arts and athletic events beyond regular school hours.
  Principal Mackbee has demonstrated resilient leadership through 
tumultuous changes in technology, demographics and traumatic events in 
the community and the ``Central family.'' When difficult situations 
affect students and teachers at Central, she sets the tone by listening 
and leaning into what she believes is her school's strength--the 
diversity of the community. Mary notes that, ``It (Central High School) 
always drew a very, very diverse population, from the black community 
of Rondo, the Jewish community of Highland, the rich community of 
Summit Avenue . . . I think that's what makes us strong.'' Through it 
all, Central High School has been successful in recruiting and 
retaining excellent teachers and maintaining outstanding academic, 
athletic and fine arts programs. This would not have been possible 
without the leadership and strong advocacy Mary has provided. The 
results show that this playbook is working--Central High School 
consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state for academic 
achievement and graduation rates.
  Mary often starts her days at 6:30 in the morning and often doesn't 
leave campus until after eight o'clock. Staff and former students often 
remark about how there is no task too small for her to do when it comes 
to Central. Whether it be attending meetings with parents or students 
to wiping down cafeteria tables, Mary Mackbee knows what it takes to 
keep Central High School running and strong. Because of Mary, 
generations of students received outstanding instruction in a vibrant 
and supportive environment at Saint Paul's Central High School.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the remarkable 53-year 
career of one of our communities most respected and beloved leaders, 
Principal Mary Mackbee.

[[Page E450]]

  

                          ____________________