Carol Secttor was born in Marion and grew up in Wells County. She moved to Marion for a teaching opportunity with Marion Community Schools. She taught junior-high social studies at McCulloch and Justice, then became MCS’s Director of Curriculum. After 35 years she retired, but continued full-time as a consultant for school improvement efforts and teacher training statewide.
Secttor says her focus has always been to improve the lives of children and teens. She has devoted approximately 30 years as a member of the Marion Kiwanis Club which serves children. Secttor has utilized her experience in grant writing for schools to write grants to fund improvements to Marion’s Clifford Townsend Park which Kiwanis adopted a few years ago. She has participated in other projects focused on kids through the Kiwanis Club.
Projects through First Christian Church aim to help children and families. Secttor helps lead a program to host graduations for families going through Drug Recovery Court. She also devotes time through the church to help provide a facility and food for Family Service Society’s parenting classes.
Secttor has also committed many years serving multiple Marion/Grant Co. nonprofits, which she calls “heroes.” She co-chaired the United Way’s fundraising campaign last year, served on the FSSI board for 6 years, and the Boys & Girls Club board for 9 years, having recently assisted them with a fundraiser dinner and auction. She has also volunteered with the Salvation Army, and reads to children at St. Martin’s.
“If we are healthy and lucky enough to be able, then we are called to serve,” explained Secttor. I enjoy serving, and it enriches my life. I have met wonderful people that I otherwise wouldn’t have met.” She added that there are many people and groups in need, and she encourages churches, organizations, and individuals to look for opportunities to serve the community.