Inspirational Feature by J1 Reporter Natalie Kemler

Most Marian students don’t plan on spending more than four years at Marian, yet Kathy McPherson spent 42 years here.

She began teaching at Marian when she was only 22. McPherson says, “I grew up at Marian and grew old at Marian.”

McPherson doesn’t need to tell anyone that she loved her job at Marian, because it was very evident by the enthusiasm she always had, and in the way she interacted with her students.

McPherson, retired art teacher, began teaching at Marian in 1972. Marian students can thank her for the art program they cherish today. McPherson started teaching one class at Marian, and it was up to her to develop the program.

The first class she taught was an introductory art class, which was similar to the current Art I class. Her love for this job was visible from the very beginning, and in the effort she put into developing Marian’s art program.
McPherson has been and continues to be a great inspiration to multiple generations of Marian girls, and although she no longer teaches, her role at Marian will be remembered.

Her passion for art and teaching is evident. This passion has continued even throughout her retirement, as she often substitute teaches for Marian’s current art teachers. Although she does not create very much art anymore, she uses her creativity to help her daughter and friends decorate their homes. McPherson is a great example of how talents and passion can be shared and used to help others.

McPherson says, “I am passionate about art- sharing my enthusiasm of it to friends and students. A world without art is a world without soul.”

McPherson’s legacy will live on through Marian’s art program, but perhaps more importantly through the lives that she touched. Each student could feel comfortable in art class and proud of what they created. McPherson was always eager to help students and each student could look forward to going to art class every day. Perhaps McPherson has been inspired by her students as much as she has inspired them.

She says, “My students kept me young, relevant and inspired to do my best.”
McPherson not only had a passion for art, but a passion for helping her students to reach their full potential.

Some of McPherson’s advice for current Marian girls is, “Find your passion- and go with it. Choose an area that you have an aptitude for. If you still are at a loss, be open to new ideas. Get an education- it opens doors!”

McPherson is a great example of how important it is to find your passion, and how you can encourage others to do the same.