 | Mary Hanson, Southwest Division
 | | Mary Hanson, principal of Madelia Elementary, Madelia Schools |
In her principalship, Hanson sums
up her educational philosophy with two quotes:
“It is today we must create the
world of the future.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)
“To love what you do and feel that
it matters, how can anything be more fun?” (Katherine Graham) In nominating Hanson for this
honor, Todd Holthaus (principal, Hills-Beaver Creek) stated: “Mary Hanson has
been chosen to receive the MESPA Leadership Achievement Award for her
dedication and efforts that she puts forth for the MESPA membership -- not only
in her role with the Southwest Division, but in leading the Educational
Advisory Committee at the state level. Her peers are so appreciative of the
leadership Mary brings. She is a capable, caring leader. We are fortunate to
have Mary represent the Southwest Division.”
Hanson lists the three most
significant accomplishments of her career as:
-
Becoming the principal at Madelia Elementary – a small
school with a diverse population of wonderful students with a great staff!
-
Implementing and sustaining successful Family Reading
Nights.
 | | From the Times Messenger newspaper (Madelia, MN): Madelia Elementary School Principal Mary Hanson poses with her Division Leadership Award. She is also surrounded by congratulations cards from her students and staff. They took the time to write personal messages and some even made their cards by hand. |
“We have 100-200 people attend, eat supper (free) together as a family,
and participate in a variety of activities and reading,” said Hanson. -
Being on-site during a building project, when the old
school was demolished. “It was an exciting time,” Hanson said, “but change,
even positive change, is difficult. Helping students, teachers, and community
stay on track while going through a major change was challenging and
rewarding!”
Hanson serves in MESPA leadership
as the chair of the statewide Educational Advisory Committee and on the MESPA
Board of Directors.
Her other educational honors
include: Field Advisory Committee member for the Department of Educational
Leadership, MN State University, Mankato; Field Advisory Committee member for
the Department of Education, Gustavus Adolphus College.
MESPA members selected 12
of their peers to receive the 2010 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award;
Hanson was recommended by Todd Holthaus, principal at Hills-Beaver Creek
Elementary in the Hills-Beaver Creek school district and then nominated by her Southwest
division colleagues.
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