Mary Lash Retires after 67 years
Mary Lash began her illustrious career in 1950, perhaps not knowing what impact she would have on generations of students. She graduated from Pepperdine University, ready to share her knowledge with students in the content areas of Home Economics. Mary has been the cornerstone of the Home Economics Department at PHS. After fifty she was honored with a street name on campus, "Mary Lash Lane". After sixty years our PHS family celebrated her again for the dedication and commitment she has given to her students. Now after sixty six years, Mary Lash retired from PHS but not from service and leadership. We honor her for who she is, for what she has done and for how she has influenced everyone with whom she has interacted.
Since youth Mary practiced diligence, hard-work, and service. For 78 years she has served 4-H. Awards and recognitions began in 1945 with the Los Angeles County "All Stars". For the years 1975 and 1986, Mary was commemorated as Volunteer 4-H leader of the year. In 2012, the California State 4-H program recognized Mary as the well-deserved recipient of the Keith Barnes 4-H Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (Golden Clover).
In Paramount, Mary Lash is an icon. Ms. Lash's Home Economics courses are a memorable component to students' high school experiences. Her extensive knowledge of the subject, coupled with her patience, humor, and organization have led to the on-going success of the PHS Home Economics Department. She has been an exemplary advisor for both FHA and PHS Corsairs service club. She has coached and lead the FHA club to numerous gold medals in national competitions. Her decades of instruction have been noticed by groups such as: National Certified Home Economists; L.A. County Education Council; Home Economics Teacher's Association of California ; and Teacher's Association of Paramount. She was selected Teacher of the Year three times, '87, '94, and 1995.
Outside of PHS, Mary is an active member of Downey United Methodist Church. She is a member of the Head, Heart, Hand and Health (4H) Youth Project Organization. She plans the menu for the annual summer camp that is attended by hundreds. Mary Lash has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Community, a women teachers' honorary society, since 1965, serving as VP, President, and Treasurer. And she has had the honor to help write the State Curriculum for Home Economics.
Most recently, the US House of Representatives recognized Mary as the longest serving credentialed teacher in California. Her longevity is recorded in the National Congressional Record in Washington D.C.
Mary Lash is an inspiration. The accolades do not change the relationship she has with her family, friends and students. Mary is always available for conversation and visits. People, young and old, eagerly await her greeting with a hug. They sit close to enjoy her warmth, kindness and loving nature. We thank you. You motivate us to do and be our best.
....words taken from the Program "67 Years of Dedication: Mary Lash"
In Paramount, Mary Lash is an icon. Ms. Lash's Home Economics courses are a memorable component to students' high school experiences. Her extensive knowledge of the subject, coupled with her patience, humor, and organization have led to the on-going success of the PHS Home Economics Department. She has been an exemplary advisor for both FHA and PHS Corsairs service club. She has coached and lead the FHA club to numerous gold medals in national competitions. Her decades of instruction have been noticed by groups such as: National Certified Home Economists; L.A. County Education Council; Home Economics Teacher's Association of California ; and Teacher's Association of Paramount. She was selected Teacher of the Year three times, '87, '94, and 1995.
Outside of PHS, Mary is an active member of Downey United Methodist Church. She is a member of the Head, Heart, Hand and Health (4H) Youth Project Organization. She plans the menu for the annual summer camp that is attended by hundreds. Mary Lash has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Community, a women teachers' honorary society, since 1965, serving as VP, President, and Treasurer. And she has had the honor to help write the State Curriculum for Home Economics.
Most recently, the US House of Representatives recognized Mary as the longest serving credentialed teacher in California. Her longevity is recorded in the National Congressional Record in Washington D.C.
Mary Lash is an inspiration. The accolades do not change the relationship she has with her family, friends and students. Mary is always available for conversation and visits. People, young and old, eagerly await her greeting with a hug. They sit close to enjoy her warmth, kindness and loving nature. We thank you. You motivate us to do and be our best.
....words taken from the Program "67 Years of Dedication: Mary Lash"
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Tonight, May 23, 2016, Gamma Zeta sisters saluted, their very own, Mary Lash as she retires from a long and wonderful career as Home Economics Teacher at Paramount Unified High School. |
