Congratulations to Marion Independent School Foundation & Alumni Association Trustee Carolyn Munson and her husband Larry who are Grand Marshalls for 2021-2022 Homecoming. Carolyn joined our board in 2017 and is part of the Marion Grants committee every year including serving as past chair. She will also be a part of our future Alumni Engagement Committee.
Carolyn Munson got her Bachelor’s degree of science at University of Dubuque, her Master’s degree of science at University of Iowa, and worked at the Marion Independent School District for 41 years as a 7th and 8th grade Science and Language Art teacher, as well as, a 6th grade Health teacher at Vernon Middle School.
She served as the drama director, helped plan/organize the Vernon Middle School greenhouse, was an Eastern Iowa Science & Engineering Fair coach, organized Ecology Days and the Osborne Nature Center trips, planned the “Hometown Heritage” at the Depot day, assisted with 7th Grade Hunger Games, and organized the “Blanket Brigade” making fleece blankets for the UI Hospital.
She received Alan B. Adams Special Merit Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, and was a Cedar Rapids Gazette’s “Teacher of the Week” recipient.
Larry Munson gained his Bachelor’s in Science at Luther College and got his Master’s at Iowa State University. He worked in the Marion Independent School District for 26 years at four different schools.
At Starry Elementary School, Larry taught 3rd and 4th grade and ELP and served as principal for a time. While at Mentzer Elementary he taught Chapter 1 math. Larry taught 5th grade, Chapter 1 math, ELP, and served as principal at Emerson Elementary School. He also worked at Vernon Middle School as an ELP and Keyboarding teacher.
Mr. Munson has assisted with Starry’s Invention Convention as Co-Coach and judge, Games Club Coach, Odyssey of the Mind Coach, Eastern Iowa Science & Engineering Fair judge, FAST program volunteer and organizer.
Larry was a CR Gazette’s “Teacher of the Week”, and U of I Belin-Blank Center Teacher Recognition award winner.
Both are very deserving of this recognition, thank you for all you do to support education in Marion!