Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo provided – Carrie Mason (center) and four of her five grandchildren. She is retiring after 35 years as program director and lead teacher at Wee Ones Preschool.)

 

How many times has Carrie Mason wiped runny noses, tied shoes, zipped up jackets or looked behind to make sure no little kiddos were lagging behind?

Who’s counting? Not this teacher, mom and grandmom, not even after 35 years. It’s just what she does.

Mason, of Olivet, is retiring from Wee Ones Preschool there, and a lifetime of working with other people’s children. 

She started there in her senior year of high school and has not stopped since. She has been situated in the basement of the castle with generations of area children. The school is in the lower level of the Olivet Congregational Church, and the architecture reminds most youngsters of a castle, Mason said.

Working where she lives has given her career, as program director and lead teacher, a boost, knowing her parents and students beyond the classroom and in life, and working closely with the church, and The University of Olivet, which supplies teaching assistants and field trip opportunities.

“The church has been so community minded, so mission minded,” Mason said. 

Mason is happy to say she has had her student’s moms and dads as preschoolers. The community “bubble” allows for Olivet graduating seniors to walk through the hallways of Wee Ones and Fern Persons Elementary School, in their caps and gowns, as folks cheer them on.

Mason had just held her last Wee Ones’ graduation, complete with white caps and gowns for the wee ones. It was an emotional evening. “I thanked the village,” she said of Olivet. “It’s been a great ride.”

She started at Wee Ones in 1991. Carrie Henry marred Perry Mason and they had a family in Olivet. Her daughter attended Wee Ones.

It was at that time she was asked to be an assistant there, and two and a half years later, the director. Along the way, she studied and received her professional credentials.

“I don’t know how we got here so fast,” Mason said. “I was so unsure back then, but they saw something in me.” She is quick to point out “great” assistants along the way, as well as support from the organization’s board and the parents.

Hanging out with 3 to 6-year-olds has to be exhausting. The preschool offers three sessions with up to 20 students in each time period, mornings and afternoons.

“It’s a reality check,” said Mason of the students. They are the best, and the funniest, and their honesty…”

She rejoices when she sees the lightbulbs come on in them and prides the preschool in its approach to life skills, conflict resolution and how to be kind.

Becky Britton and her husband Geoff, sent one of their children (who just completed her second year of college) and all 10 of their grandchildren.

She notes how lucky Olivet is to have Wee Ones in their backyard. Britton and Mason worked together years ago with the summer recreation program.

When she thinks of Mason, she said, “She is just fun, energetic, kind, just a wonderful person.” And, she certainly has a way with the little ones, Britton said.

“My parents, my mom, have always advocated for children. I always wanted to be a mom. I care about what kind of adults they become,” Mason said. Her parents are Tink and Shirley Henry.

Mason has also been a youth pastor and cheer coach. Whenever she works with youth, she sees their potential. “I am proud to see the kids grow, learn and discover.” She said it has been her “greatest honor that parents have entrusted their children to Wee Ones.”

Now, Mason looks forward to MeMe duty with her five grandchildren.