Woman of Distinction 2011
Mary McCoy
With a degree from Oklahoma State University in 1969, Mary McCoy began her career, or passion, of educating young minds. As a favorite of both students and parents, Mary diligently strove to make science exciting and to bring history to life. Her efforts earned her many awards while at Starkville Academy. She was selected in the city’s People’s Choice Awards in 1994, 2003, 2005; the Starkville Academy faculty honored her in 1994 with the Nell Moore Faculty Award; she was named the Band Parent Achievement Award winner in 2000. She made such an indelible mark as a band parent volunteer that this award is now named in her honor. Each year a band parent receives the Mary McCoy Achievement Award to recognize that person who goes far beyond what is expected. Her efforts were recognized on the state level as well; Mary was awarded the Mississippi Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher Award in 2003 and then inducted into the Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers in 2009. A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mary enjoys traveling and camping with her husband, Pat, and her favorite pastime—her granddaughter, Sadie.