Mary Swack moved to Carolina Beach from Maryland two years ago with her husband, Phil. She feels blessed that she moved next to two Island Women—Sarah Tardio and Mary Kearney—with whom she quickly became friends. They encouraged Mary to join the organization.
In no time, Mary became involved in the literacy committee.
“I started as a math teacher at the secondary level, got a master’s in administration, and became a principal at a middle school. For the last 12 years of my career, I was the supervisor of secondary math for Carroll County. I joined the literacy committee even though I taught math because 'once an educator, always an educator.' You miss being around kids.”
Mary quickly got to work with the committee’s chair, Julie House, visiting local schools to assess their needs. Last year, the principal at Myrtle Grove Middle School requested mentors who could build relationships with at-risk kids who aren’t connected at school or who have attendance issues. Mary spearheaded a program to make that happen.
Thanks to Mary’s efforts, nine Island Women now participate in this mentor program, which is starting its second year.
Earlier this year, Mary also took over leadership of the bag committee with co-chair Stacy Murdock. She’s currently knee-deep in the committee's busiest time, ensuring all the money is collected and artwork for the bag is submitted by October 1. “Sometimes I feel like I’m still at work,” she laughed.
Doing so much for Island Women has helped make Mary feel like a part of the island many of us call home and has fostered so many friendships. “Becoming an Island Woman has given me that sense of connection to others, established a myriad of friendships that I otherwise wouldn't have made, and provided me a social outlet that makes island life so much fun,” she said.
She encourages women new to the organization to jump right in. “Join a committee or two,” she advised. “That is the best way to meet new people and determine how you want to spend your time, knowing that your volunteering efforts are helping so many.”