While its not certain Mary Virginia Polson Stapleton is the oldest Jefferson City High School alumni alive today, at 99 years old shes definitely a member of an exclusive club.

On Tuesday, shell be recognized at the Jefferson City Public School Foundations annual gala to be held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. This year, event organizers are celebrating the school districts 175th anniversary. The gala is held annually to raise funds, but also honor the contributions of the education communitys leading benefactors, volunteers, teachers and alumni.

Although slightly hard of hearing, Stapleton is spry for her age. She still drives and takes a walk around the neighborhood daily.

Im not in perfect health. Everybody has a few aches and pains, she said.

Stapleton, who graduated with the Class of 1931, moved to Jefferson City with her family from Moberly after the Wabash Railroad folded up and her father sought new work.

I was thrilled to death to go to a brand new high school with a swimming pool, she said.

One of her most vivid memories was serving as an attendant in the high schools homecoming court on what is now the Miller Performing Art Centers stage.

Karen Enloe, who serves as director of the JCPS foundation, said shes delighted Stapleton is available to attend.

Shes an accomplished pianist, she said. And she still drives, although she told me shes planning to quit when she turns 100.

Gary Kremer, executive director of State Historical Society of Missouri, will emcee the gala.

Read this article:
Gala to celebrate district’s 175 years