Below is the writeup I did for the next AHHS alumni newsletter plus a photo of me presenting the “big check” to current journalism teacher Kristin Cade and her students.

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I would not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
The practice of journalism has evolved to include radio and television, websites and blogs, podcasts and social media, but the free exchange of information and ideas remains a Constitutional right, fundamental to our democracy.
Mary Norman taught journalism at Alamo Heights High School from 1967 to 1990 and sponsored the school newspaper, the Hoof Print, and yearbook, the Olmos. She was recognized by Columbia University in 1981 as one of the Outstanding Journalism Teachers in America. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Norman served as Public Information Officer for the entire Alamo Heights school district.
She was also a talented artist, exhibiting her work at the Witte Museum, San Antonio Art Institute, Hertzberg Collector’s Gallery, and a number of solo shows.
Mrs. Norman passed away in 2009 and is fondly remembered by the students whose lives she touched and whose professional careers she inspired. For many, she was a mentor, a guiding light, almost a second mother! Everyone should have a Mary Norman in their lives.
The new Mary Norman Journalism Fund will continue her legacy as long as teachers demonstrate and advocate the best journalistic practices, and students learn and understand the essential role of a free press in a free society. 

Now fully funded at $100,000, this endowment will provide an annual donation in perpetuity to benefit the AHHS journalism program. The larger the fund grows, the more all students will benefit! For information on how to contribute, please contact the Alamo Heights School Foundation.

Thanks, Marie Kisner