Mary Cantrell, Manatee School Board Member, Dies

Posted by Jacob Ogles on Monday Jul 13, 2015 10:34 am

Mary Cantrell, a sitting Manatee County School Board member and the 18-year director of Manatee Technical College, died this weekend at a Hospice facility in PInellas County. Cantrell was elected to the School Board in November.

Superintendent Diane Greene and School Board Chairman Robert Gause released the following statement on Cantrell's passing:

“Dr. Mary Cantrell spent close to five decades as a professional educator, including 18 years as the Director of Manatee Technical College, although it was known for most of her tenure as Manatee Technical Institute. Her passion for technical, career and adult education and her devotion to excellence among students and staff transformed MTC into one of the premier technical educational centers in the nation. Her enthusiasm and pursuit of achievement began the tradition that has resulted in MTC students winning more medals at the national SkillsUSA competition than any other technical school in the country – a streak that has recently been extended to 11-straight years.

“Since November 2014, Dr. Cantrell served as an elected member of the School Board of Manatee County. Although her time on the School Board was short, she was a contributing member and as always she was devoted to the education of the students she loved.

“The main hall at the beautiful new MTC campus on State Road 70 is named in Dr. Cantrell’s honor, and it is a fitting tribute to help us remember and follow the legacy she has left behind. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.”

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