Mary Wolski Walked Through the Doors of Glen Crest in 1977 and Never Looked Back

In 1977, Mary Koeune-Wolski was introduced to Glen Crest Middle School as a student teacher, and then offered a Physical Education teaching position after graduating from George Williams College. Glen Crest has been her "Home away from home," for the past 35 years.

Wolski won the "Young Educators Award" presented by the Glen Ellyn Jaycees in 1985 and earned her Master's Degree from George Williams College. The year 2000 was a milestone for her because the 1975 Women's Basketball Team she played with in college was inducted into the GWC/Aurora University Hall of Fame.

During Wolski's 25 years as Department Chairman the Spartan Fitness Center was developed and has been growing in popularity and size ever since. At the 8th grade level, the department created an elective program to provide the opportunity for students to make activity choices similar to the high school program . Wolski spearheaded the Spartan Boosters parent group in the 90's to help raise money to off set costs of the Glen Crest Athletic and Intramural Progams with students actively participating in events : 3 on 3 Turkey Shootout and the 3.5 K Pumpkin Run.

Wolski coached 7th and 8th grade girls volleyball for 35 years, 7th and 8th grade girls basketball for 20 years and boys volleyball for five years. She states,"Coaching has been my passion probably due to the outstanding role models and experiences I had working with my high school and college coaches. I wanted to pass on to my teams the life lessons that I was so fortunate to have learned. Those experiences and lessons reflect who I am today".

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As Athletic Director for 35 years, Glen Crest Spartans have been considered a powerhouse in four different conferences. Wolski explains, "I have been very fortunate to have exceptionally dedicated and committed coaches who enjoy their time with our athletes. Their loyalty and the support of parents, has provided our athletes opportunities to experience success at a very high level and to be part of a proud Glen Crest's sport tradition."

In her spare time, Wolski challenged herself by participating in the Missouri Marathon and the Chicago Triathalon. As an avid bicycle rider she toured through France, Luxembourg, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia and Korea. She has ridden across Iowa, and along the coastline of California from the Golden Gate Bridge to Anneheim.

During her teaching career at Glen Crest, Wolski taught under the guidance of four superintendents and six principals. She stated, " Together these educators built the exceptional school district we are today. I leave with a similar feeling illustrated by a quote from one of my childhood favorites...Mary Poppins. When Poppins is ready to leave, the kids look up at her and ask why she has to go.....she opens her umbrella and responds, 'My task is done."

Picture Caption: Glen Crest Athletic Director, coach and physical education teacher Mary Wolski bids farewell to the 2012 Spartan Volleyball team, left to right, front row, Payton Carli and McKenzie Watterson. Second row, left to right, Vanessa Eichele and Stephanie Maurer, top row, left to right, Aly Miller, Nicole Schmieder and Esther Niedert. Wolski is retiring from her 35 year teaching career.