Parent's effort keeps music alive

Posted: Jan. 31, 2012

For years Mukwonago High School (MHS) went without an annual musical production. So as Mary Coughlin's daughter became more and more involved in music and choir, she knew she needed to do something. For her efforts to bring back the high school musical to Mukwonago and her further dedication to Mukwonago area schools, Mary Coughlin is the second to be recognized as the Mukwonago Chief's Five Who Give 2012.

Singing her praises

"I realized that one of the best experiences I had in high school was the high school musical," Coughlin said. She said it was something that she wanted to provide for her daughter and to all area students.

As Coughlin and a couple of other parents approached the school board with their hope to bring the musical back, the district told them they were in support of the idea but didn't have the money to fund it.

"I thought why can't we do this and have it be self supporting?" Coughlin wondered.

So in 1999, Coughlin investigated musical budgets from other school districts and, with a budget of $16,000, reintroduced the musical back to MHS with a production of "Cinderella."

At the same time the production was being put together, a group of parents formed a performing arts parents group to oversee fundraising and finances. Since then, the Mukwonago High School musical has been a self-supporting event.

Having served as producer since that first performance, Coughlin has ensured the production has gone on every year. She said she's "a very conservative person financially," and that the productions have never gone over budget.

Another great benefit that Coughlin sees in bringing the musical back is its ability to bring students together who may not have connected otherwise. Students from a variety of backgrounds, interests and cliques come together for one purpose: to use their love of production and performance to put on a show.

"It crosses bridges for kids so they meet others in high school that they may not have had the chance to work with except during something like (the musical)," Coughlin said.

Each year, between 100 and 125 students make the musical happen. Each step of the way, Coughlin has been there to volunteer and support the event.

"I love to watch the transformation of kids," from auditions to rehearsals to the final product, explained Coughlin. "When that curtain opens on opening night, it's breathtaking for me."

"(Mary) has been a moving force behind the high school musical since it restarted," said Mukwonago Area School District Superintendent Paul Strobel. "She has kept it going. She's done just an outstanding job."

Before her work with the high school music, Coughlin was a parent volunteer at Big Bend Elementary School where her kids attended. She is currently an active member with the Mukwonago Area Public Schools Education Foundation and serves on several of its committees. Coughlin and her family also participate in mission trips through Greendale Community Church.

Coughlin recalls growing up with a mother who didn't always have all the means necessary to raise her children. But through the philanthropy of others, things turned out alright she said.

"I think it speaks very highly of Mary that she didn't only work for the schools when her kids were there, but she continues to be involved" to ensure future students have the same experiences her children had, Strobel said.

"I've tried to set an example of philanthropy for my children," Coughlin said. "I think it's important for people to do that - set an example for the younger generation."

The school district's motto is "students, staff, and community… building better schools together," and Strobel adds that "Mary is kind of the personification of that support within our schools. She's a very caring, giving person. She wants to give back to the community, and she wants to make the Mukwonago community and Mukwonago schools a great place to be."