Although her official title might be the CRC secretary, Mrs. Marilyn McBride has provided LHS with services far beyond her job description. The College Resource Center, otherwise known as the CRC, has become a widely popular place for students to spend their free periods, and Mrs. McBride is one of the main reasons for it being so.
“I definitely think she is a reason why it’s so popular because she is so sweet and funny. You can definitely tell she really cares about us,” said senior Lauren Vogg.
Vogg has only started regularly attending this year but each day she spends third period in the CRC, socializing with friends, doing homework and catching up with Mrs. McBride.
Earlier this year, Mrs. McBride announced that she would be retiring halfway through the year and will not be returning after first semester.
Mrs. McBride has been working at Libertyville High School since August 1997. For a majority of her 14 years at LHS, she was the receptionist in the main office, working under past principals Dr. Joe Wojtena and Mr. Brad Swanson.
Many students have been taken aback by her decision to leave LHS after first semester instead of finishing out the 2011-12 school year, but this is actually quite normal. It is tradition that the CRC secretary leave in January so his or her replacement has time to adjust to the new position.
Mrs. Jennifer Lund will be replacing Mrs. McBride. Mrs. Lund will finish out the school year and then remain as the CRC secretary for years to come.
“She [Mrs. Jennifer Lund] is smart and has boundless energy, enthusiasm and ideas. I predict that the best years of the CRC are ahead,” said Mrs. McBride.
Mrs. Lund has already been working with several seniors, assisting them with the college application process. By starting this position halfway through the school year, Lund will be able to get to know the juniors as the time for them to begin the college hunt approaches.
“It’s actually kind of nice so that the next class of students will get to know her and kind of see Mrs. Lund as the face of the CRC so I think in a way it actually presents a good opportunity,” said college counselor Ms. Amy Belstra.
Many students are now questioning whether recently changed policies in the CRC will remain the same. This year Mrs. McBride and Ms. Belstra decided that eating would no longer be allowed. Even though many changes are approaching for the CRC, according to Ms. Belstra, the lunch policy will remain the same as will all other rules and regulations.
Upon retirement, Mrs. McBride intends to move to Fort Collins, Colorado, where her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter now live. Her new home is located just two blocks west of the Colorado State University campus. Many students have already expressed their desire to come visit her.
While her main reason for moving is to be closer to family, Mrs. McBride also intends to take some classes, do some hiking and travel throughout the west.
Senior Nikhil Kamath spends most of his day in the CRC, going before school, during lunch, his free period and evens sometimes after school. Because he spends so much time there, Kamath has built a strong friendship with Mrs. McBride.
“Mrs. McBride is one of those faculty members who doesn’t feel like a faculty member. She is a dear friend and mentor to many,” said Kamath.