Mary Barry is a beloved Marcellin Algebra I teacher at Marist and finding another teacher like her would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Barry knew what she wanted to be from a very young age. She remembers often being around younger kids and always enjoyed babysitting and playing school.
“I wanted to be in a field where I helped others,” said Barry. “I also have a lot of teachers in my family.”
However, this wonderful teacher wasn’t always a math prodigy. Barry faced some challenges as a kid but worked through it by creating new tricks that she now shares with her students.
“The best part of teaching is helping students who are struggling with something understand it by explaining it in simplified terms,” said Barry.
Barry also excels on getting to know students on a deeper, personal level and maintain the presence of someone who is always there to talk.
“She always works to develop relationships with [students] so that she can get the best out of them,” said Coach Ronald Dawczak.
Barry’s presence at Marist does not go unnoticed by her coworkers. Her unwavering positive energy and engagement allow her to stand out proud in the large group of Marist staff members.
“She is probably the nicest person here at Maris High School,” said Coach Tom Murphy. “She always has a smile on her face.”
This past fall, the two were an unstoppable pair on the flag-football field, Barry’s love for sports and the combination of their coaching experiences led to their team going 6-0.
“She was one of the best people that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching with,” said Murphy.
Barry’s talents don’t stop at teaching and athletics either. She is also great at sign language and even began the Sign Language Club to teach students how to properly sign.
“I took a sign language class and I really enjoyed it,” said Barry.
She had begun learning as a child to communicate with her great uncle and it later grew into something she taught her kids and incorporated into her daily life.
Barry also used sign language to communicate plays during the flag-football season which helped contribute to defensive success.
Barry’s relationship with sports has been a strong presence in her life from childhood on, and growing up as the fifth of six siblings led her to grow close with her three brothers around her age.
She describes herself as “a tomboy” growing up and was often seen playing any sport she could, however she greatly excelled at volleyball and softball and even went on to play volleyball through college. She also continued coaching for a while after.
Nowadays, her activities include things like speed-walking, bike riding, and doing yoga with coworkers. She has a love for exercise and even considered being a physical therapist at one point.
Barry has been involved in Marist High School since before it was even open to girls.
She attended events and dances at the school with the man who she would later go on to marry, making them one of the best stories of high school sweethearts.
“I’ve known the Marist fight song since I was a sophomore in high school,” said Barry.
