DAPHNE, Ala.— Mary Trawick is a certified teacher at Daphne Middle School with a degree in music education. She has taught at Daphne Middle school for 10 years.

A native of Mobile, she raised two sons, Nick and Justin. Justin, 22, is a senior at the University of Alabama where he is on the track team as a javelin thrower; he had played football at McGill-Toolen High. Nick was a musician and soccer player. He attended McGill-Toolen High as well and then the University of South Alabama, but died unexpectedly in 2004; at the age of 20.

“It is the most tragic thing that I think can happen to a family. Our whole world was turned upside down,” Mary said. “It was only through God, my family and friends, and my job as a music teacher that pulled me through. Teaching music forces a person to step outside of him or herself to rise above personal moods and feelings; especially when dealing with middle-school students who are very active and demand your utmost attention. This requires a great deal of energy from an educator.

Trawick and her husband Ken have recently moved to Daphne; it is much better than commuting across the bay every day and the community here has much to offer in the arts, she said.

Trawick has presented many musicals at Daphne Middle School including: “High School Musical Jr.,” “Aladdin, Jr.,” “Once on this Island” and “The Music Man, Jr.” 

She also initiates a holiday “DMS Dinner Theater” every year.  This year, it is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5 at the DMS Café. She is the coordinator of the Veterans Day Program each year, which recognizes area veterans and their dedication to serve our country. 

Trawick’s school choirs have participated in many competitions and have performed quite well. The Smokey Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, Tenn., is the next competition on the agenda. The choirs also participate in local and state festivals, as well as Alabama All-State.

Trawick loves to sing and teach others the joy of music. She has personally performed in ‘First Night Mobile’ for Mobile Opera as well as University of South Alabama Opera Workshop where she played the lead role in “The Old Maid and the Thief.” She has performed voice recitals at the University of South Alabama and The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile as well as soprano soloist at various engagements throughout the area and is a member of the Mobile Opera Chorus.