After eight years of motivating students, helping colleagues, and leaving a mark in the halls of the Marion Center High School, Dr. Katie Monsour, widely known as Doc, is moving into her next chapter, but the laughter, kindness, and valuable English and life lessons she’s taught and shared will stay with students and staff forever. Throughout her time at the Hive, she has inspired students to strive for their best and encouraged them to help one another grow, becoming true “academic weapons” in everything they do. Doc has been a beacon of light to countless students, supporting her students and helping all of her students carve their paths through life before and after high school.

Doc has been an influential figure in helping students succeed through high school and helping many accomplish their dreams of college admission. Her passion for guiding students reflects her own educational experiences, which began at Blairsville High School. Doc graduated in 2003. She began her collegiate education studies at Seton Hill University, graduating in 2006, and was later honored as a Distinguished Alumna in 2019. After her time at Seton Hill, she continued her educational journey at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where she earned her master’s in teaching English and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. She picked up her MBA in 2023, ultimately earning herself a superintendent’s letter of eligibility. From her first college class to having her doctorate in hand, Doc has built a career devoted to empowering students and becoming the caring teacher who makes it her responsibility to give students access to resources and the support they need to be successful.

For the 2025-2026 school year, Doc was promoted to serve as a teacher and the College and Career Readiness Coordinator in the newly formed College and Career Readiness Center (CCRC).  Doc has helped countless students prepare for college with her new position. She was the key figure in Instant Decision days with numerous colleges. Doc’s commitment proves that every student feels supported and prepared for what life brings them after high school. Beyond all the paperwork, planning, emailing, and talking-through processes, Doc is well known for her sense of humor; she’s always sharing laughs with her students in the classroom and outside of the classroom, often turning stressful situations into memorable moments. Dr. Monsour will be leaving a physical mark on Marion Center with the introduction of the Stinger Stack, a registered Little Free Library (LFL), that Doc acquired via grant funding for our community to have and enjoy.  The Stack will be filled with books for students and community members to read at any time and will be the first and only LFL in Marion Center.  With Doc stepping outside of the district for her new adventure, the CCRC will continue supporting students with Ms. Anslinger, who is honored to add onto the rock-solid start Doc has created. While Ms. Anslinger takes over, Doc will be beginning her newest adventure in education, bringing her passion and love for students beyond the district.

While the halls of Marion Center High School will feel emptier without her, Doc is starting her new journey as a Curriculum Specialist at ARIN IU, continuing to make a difference in students’ lives with the same passion, support, and care that touched countless students at Marion Center over the past years. Doc reflected on her time as a Stinger, “I’ll have a broader impact on students, teachers, and administrators. I’ll miss my students and colleagues terribly.” Even as she looks forward to her new exciting adventure, she reflects on the sadness of leaving the school district where she’s poured so much of herself into her students.

Students and staff were happy to share how Doc has impacted them and the school district as a whole. Senior Kamden Rozier shared, “Dr. Monsour is the best teacher I’ve ever had in my entire educational career.” Obviously, it wouldn’t be a true reflection of Doc without students sharing the humorous side of her personality, senior Joshua Troup said, “I’d rather see Doc than an actual doctor.” Senior Carter Knox added, “Doc is the best teacher and I’m very sad to see her go.” Junior Ella Gaston reminisced on Doc’s personality, “Doc is the most outgoing and loving person you’ll ever meet,” a personality that MC has had the privilege to cherish. Senior Cain Mattis added, “Doc is like a second mother to me; she never lets me down and is always there for me when I need help. She’s played a very special role in Marion Center. She’s someone anyone can go to talk to, and we are very sad to see her leave.” Cain’s perspective has been shared among many students. Senior Katya Miller highlights Doc’s incredible support with, “Dr. Monsour saved me from being alone my freshman year and made the greatest impact on me on a different level than most. She has the most beautiful soul ever. I’m going to miss her greatly.” Many students have reported that Doc has inspired them to make their dreams a reality. Junior Holly Fisher added, “She has given me the courage to express my feelings through writing, and I love her.” Junior Michael Fabri shows this idea through his one-on-one time with Doc in the CCRC: “Doc makes dreams come true.” Senior Clayton Burns commented, “Doc will be that one teacher that I remember later in life and tell my kids about. She is an extraordinary person and played a very important rile in my high school career.” Doc is truly the teacher that many dream of having, but we here at MC have the honor to call her a Stinger. While the Marion Center students whose lives she has greatly impacted share and remember the fun times they’ve shared with Doc, the faculty she has worked with throughout her time at Marion Center reflect on her dedication to the school and its students.

After hearing how Doc has impacted the students, staff members shared their own memories with her, showing her support of others, mentorship, and influence on others in the entire Marion Center Community. Mrs. Alyson Berezansy shared, “Dr. Katie Monsour brought light, laughter, and learning into every classroom she entered. Though her next chapter takes her elsewhere, her influence will always remain part of our school’s story. She made Marion Center a better place.” Mrs. Rebecca Usko, who was lucky enough to create a long-lasting friendship with Doc, said, “Doc brings joy and happiness to the hive! I will miss her laughter and wisdom the most. She has opened my eyes to different methods of teaching and connecting with students that I will treasure. ” Mr. JohnAllen Snyder, who bonded with Doc through literature and having her edit his books, said, “I promise I’ll get better at using commas. Thank you for everything. She’s an absolutely wonderful human being.”

It’s clear through all of the buzz in the hallways and classrooms that Doc will be greatly missed in the Marion Center community. Like the yearbook theme this year, you truly had to be there.