Port Townsend AAUW names Woman of Excellence

Published 12:01 am Monday, December 22, 2014

PORT TOWNSEND — Mary Sepler, Grant Street Elementary School principal, is the Woman of Excellence for 2015 of the Port Townsend branch of AAUW.

Sepler is described by those who nominated her as “a leader who has made a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of children and their families in Port Townsend,” the American Association of University Women said.

The annual award is made to a Jefferson County woman who has “made significant contributions by being a role model, change agent, teacher/mentor and community activist,” the group said.

Sepler taught reading at Grant Street for 22 years before taking over as principal in 2012.

The AAUW said Sepler designed the reading instruction program at Grant Street “that has been showcased statewide.”

She also started the Kindergarten Literacy Program and after-school tutoring for struggling readers and worked with several organizations to introduce a social intervention curriculum, Peace 4 Kids, which is now used districtwide.

Sepler is involved in the Port Townsend Education Foundation, YMCA, Jefferson County recreation, Jumping Mouse, Jefferson County Juvenile Services and the Port Townsend Library.

She is married to Rick Sepler, city planner.

AAUW Port Townsend and its affiliate, the University Women’s Foundation of Jefferson County, support local scholarships, middle school career days and elementary school programs in phonics, literacy and math.