By Kelsey Mevs, Class of ’26 — Staff Writer
Many of Ms. Georgi’s former students have kept in touch with her over the years. Some eventually have become her colleagues. Can you guess the former student-turned-colleague in the above photo?
Slipping up a few times and using the word “graduating” instead of “retiring,” Ms. Mara Georgi happily talks all about her plans post Sharon High School.
In her hands she juggles a box of half full cups for her legendary AP Psych activity on social contagions, which involves a messy combination of vinegar, baking soda, and pretend partying.
As a Sharon High presence in the Social Studies department for 25 years, Ms. Georgi has taught many, making an impact on all the students she instructs.
According to her longtime friend and colleague Madame Kathleen Turner, she has worked “hard as a mule” throughout her time at SHS — in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Even during COVID, when she took a year’s leave of absence, Ms. Georgi was working hard as she connected elementary and high schoolers with each other via Zoom, creating bonds between students who had been learning remotely for the year.
With every word she speaks about her job, it is clear that she cares about each and every student she teaches. This passion is infectious, and her students can feel it each day. A student in her World Studies class reflected, “Even when you mess up, she’s always ready to give you a blank slate to try again.”
Her devoted attitude and witty remarks are only a couple of reasons why she’ll be so missed at SHS. She’s a true scholar, with interests ranging from history to psychology to art to travel.
“People get excited about things I hadn’t really thought about as interesting because I’ve known about them. I’m going to miss the enthusiasm that kids bring to things” she noted.
Next year, her shoes will be tough to fill. From leading new teacher orientations to planning parties, Ms. Georgi is a crucial member of the school community.
Even after graduating, many of her former students keep in touch. Sharon alumni dating back to before Class of ‘05 have invited her to weddings, still adding “Ms.” before her name.
These lifelong connections with her students and colleagues are what made her stay for so long.
“I [find] myself saying, ‘They pay me to do this? This is amazing,’” she remarked.
She’s also excited to explain—with a grin that splits her face—her plans to sleep in without setting her alarm clock to accommodate her 31 mile trip to work every morning.
In the coming year, she plans to use her newfound free-time to travel and visit family, as well as gardening and relaxing.
Her story is an inspiration to many students and faculty at Sharon High, a reminder that through perseverance and commitment, you can change lives.
“Life is short,” she says, “Eat dessert first.”
