EDUCATED An Woman

COMMUNITY leader

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

fter retiring from the Alabama State Department of Education, former teacher Meg Lowry stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) in August of 2021. “I wanted to find something that matched my skill set and fueled my passion for making a difference in education,” says Lowry.

“Making a difference” is precisely what FEEF does, as the organization directly impacts students. “My job is covered by an endowment, so all the funds that we generate go right back into schools— which means we can do so much more for the students,” Lowry says. “The seeing and doing that is done in STEAM-centered, hands-on, authentic learning like our signature ‘Down by the Bay’ field trips cannot be duplicated. This is learner-centered education.”

More than someone who simply understands the administrative side of the education system, Lowry also brings her understanding of teaching. “I think being in the education system is my calling,” she says. “That may sound simple, but it is really quite complex. I don’t think ‘non-teachers’ quite understand. Teaching is very difficult. There is a true art and science to teaching, and it’s not for everyone. I have always loved school—even loved professional learning as a teacher. I have spent a week at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Space Camp—where we burned up our space-walker on reentry—Environmental Camp, and also filmed and worked with Dr. Doug Phillips (Discovering Alabama) at UA. I finished my BS with 304 hours and have two Master’s Degrees. I just love learning and sharing knowledge with people. I retired from Alabama schools with 22 years in education.

In the two years that Lowry has been with FEEF, her role has been an impactful one. “Every time a child comes into the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab and squeals at all the cool things we have, I know I’ve made an impact,” she says. “They get to smell, touch, investigate, and reflect on real things. I may not have personally collected that specimen, but our fund-raising and partnership efforts have made a difference. I have an extensive background in School Improvement, and I know that when students are excited about learning and are being taught by excited and well-supported teachers, learning will improve.”

Additionally, Lowry counts accomplishments she’s made during her time at FEEF to be learning accounting procedures as well as something a little more important to the grand scheme of things: “Handing out grants and awards to teachers and watching the Board Members make dreams a reality. That’s been an incredible part of my job,” she says.

On the flip side, those accounting procedures she’s had to learn have been among her greatest challenges—as has “not getting to interact with students or develop curriculum as much as I would like."

As she continues her role at FEEF, Lowry has some plans for the future in the works. “We’ll be seeing phase I of our expansion plans come to fruition—the ribbon cutting is slated for Spring 2023, and the public will be invited—we’ll use that momentum to move on to Phases II and III,” she says. “Phase I is the construction of both an outdoor classroom structure and an Alabama Wildlife-certified outdoor classroom garden. This will allow us to serve not only more learners in different ways—think habitat, wastewater, water run-off, pollinators, butterflies and song birds—but our structure will also be available for community use. It will hold about 250 people. Phase II will see the renovation of four classrooms from the old K-1 center. We are calling that the Innovation Center. Phase III will be the much-needed renovation of the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab. We hope that our vision will help make eco-tourism a welcome addition to our wonderful community.”

Lowry is originally from Prattville, where her father opened a business. “You learn real fast in a small town what giving back and helping others means,” she notes. She has two married children and four grandchildren. “My grandchildren call me ‘Go-Go,’ and that is what I like to do—go.” Her hobbies include traveling with lifelong friends, reading, gardening and French hand-sewing.

Joy of Life on the Gulf Coast hosted the 9th Annual Wind Creek Hospitality “Joy of Life” Mardi Gras Ball at the Daphne Civic Center. This event benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and patients of St. Jude were presented as King and Queen. Guests enjoyed food from amazing local chefs and restaurants, silent and live auctions, and live musical entertainment.