Señora Mary Montcalm is a foreign language teacher here at Gulf Breeze High School. Montcalm teaches Spanish III, Spanish IV and Spanish V. Along with this, she is also the sponsor for GBHS’s Key Club.

   Montcalm has been a teacher at GBHS for thirty-four years. Initially a “Yooper” from St. Ignace, Michigan, Montcalm moved to Gulf Breeze because of her husband, Willie’s, offshore job.

   A joyful spirit at GBHS, Montcalm’s favorite part of our school is her department, caring students and all of her co-workers.

   Key Club is an organization that is very close to Montcalm’s heart. The club serves as an opportunity for students to give back to their community while also earning service hours for college scholarships. “The special thing about Key Club is that it is student led and students have the opportunity to seek higher office,” Montcalm shared. “I keep doing it because of the support of our Kiwanis Club and to watch our members grow as true servant leaders.”

   Frequently, past students visit Montcalm in her class, visits which really Montcalm enjoys. GBHS class of 2020 graduate Tara Bass is one of many who returns to see Montcalm.

   “She has one of the kindest hearts in the school,” Bass said. “She always makes anyone feel welcomed in her room, even if they graduated however many years ago. She really cares about making her students better people.”

   Another former student, class of 2020 graduate Bridget Thompson, often joins Bass for visits to Gulf Breeze and Montcalm. “Señora Montcalm has such a sweet and kind soul,” Thompson said. “She is always wearing a smile on her face and is such a light in my life. She always makes me feel so valued, loved and important.”

   Outside of school, Montcalm enjoys walking, singing in her church choir, playing cards and board games, reading and spending time with family and friends.

   “I enjoy travelling and watching Michigan State football and basketball,” Spartans fan Montcalm shared. After work, Montcalm returns home to her husband Willie, who she has been married to for thirty-six years, as well as her pets. Montcalm has a German Shepherd named Rosco and two cats named Skippy and Tippy.

   Montcalm brings a light to Gulf Breeze High School that everyone needs. The Spanish teacher is always smiling and joyful, even when the world feels like a dark place.