SydneySchulze

For some families, Marian isn’t just a high school – it’s a legacy woven through generations of plaid skirts and Field Day shirts.

Mr. Mark Koesters teaches theology and is part of the Marian legacy every day. 

Entering his 38th year, he encounters more familiar faces such as Mrs. Anne Tompsett, the new art teacher and his former student.

When Koesters first started teaching, “it was hard to get 10 people in the choir for Mass,” Koesters said. However, Tompsett was always ready to be one of the 10. 

“I was in choir all four years and art all four years,” Tompsett said.

As Marian has changed since 1987, Koesters has noticed new qualities in its students. “I just started to notice how confident students are,” Koesters said. 

Another teacher who is still part of the faculty is Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs. She was Tompsett’s soccer coach, volleyball coach and math teacher. 

Since 1989, Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs has carried Marian’s legacy through each of these different roles as well as being assistant track coach. 

Now, as the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, she continues to shape the legacy for current and future students. 

Rohlfs has also noticed a lot of changes, one of the biggest differences is that “we offer 11 NSAA sports now.” However, “the core values and the charism of the Servants of Mary, along with the competitive culture, have not changed,” Rohlfs said.

The school itself has changed as well. For example, Tompsett’s art room was once the library. “This is where I sent my first email,” Tompsett said.

Adele Tompsett, now a junior, and her sister June, a freshman, have grown up surrounded by Marian’s traditions.

 “I met June’s godmother in religion class my freshman year,” Tompsett said. 

Because of her mom, June knew that Marian was always in her future.

 “I knew when I was really young that I wanted to go to Marian,” June said.

For Adele, Marian has always been in her blood.

 “I’d hear stories from my mom, visit for events, and even tag along for some school functions. It always felt familiar and welcoming, like I was already part of the community before I ever became a student,” Adele said.

Even though having her mom and sister at school was a big change “It felt reassuring. I knew she was always nearby if I needed anything,” Adele said.

All staff members, teachers and administrators want to set Marian girls up for success, not just educationally, but emotionally as well.

Rohlfs has had the opportunity to impact and shape the lives of many Marian girls and their families. 

By challenging her students, she hopes to inspire them to work towards greatness. 

“I hope that I have impacted students and athletes by challenging them to reach their potential even when it is sometimes uncomfortable. I hope I have helped them to set goals and learn how to continue to reach them,” Rohlfs said.

As a religion teacher, Koesters tries to go beyond the surface with his lessons. 

When girls graduate, he wants them to have a strong foundation of knowledge so that they can think critically and freely.

 “I hope that they have a new, renewed belief system in God, in the church and in Jesus,” Koesters said.

Now, Koesters carries these lessons forward with the next generation, including the Tompsetts.

 “Whether it’s during class or just seeing him in the hallways, his presence helps set a positive tone for the school,” Adele said.

So remember, Marian’s legacy can turn students into colleagues – be nice to your teachers because you never know if you could one day be co-workers!