American Legion Auxiliary members, Sheri Beisner (left) and Linda Crawford (right), presented $1,000 to the Natoma USD 399 librarian, Dayna Kocinski (center), in honor of Mary Murphy. (Courtesy photo)
By LEAH TUCKER
American Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109, Natoma, presented $1,000 to Natoma Unified School District 399 in remembrance of Auxiliary member, Mary Murphy. Sheri Beisner (left) and Linda Crawford (right) presented the memorial donation to the librarian, Dayna Kocinski (center). The funds will purchase Patriotic/Americanism books and educational materials to be divided between the elementary school library and junior high/high school libraries. Auxiliary members, family members, and friends of Mary provided the funds in her memory.
Mary was a devoted teacher and librarian focusing on providing the best materials for students’ character building. Her heart and passion were for students and for veterans. Her husband fought in the Vietnam War. During her Unit 109 membership, a major emphasis incorporated programs from the American Legion Auxiliary. Following retirement from teaching, she continued to promote Americanism with emphasis on America’s Founding Principles through a myriad of programs, including the annual Veterans Salute. The Patriotic musical event is presented annually by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 and Natoma Unified School District 399.