“Under Mrs. Mason’s mentorship, I became the person I am today,” said Student Congress President Mia Racco, recalling Mason’s guidance throughout her four years in the congress.
Kara Mason, a precalculus and Student Congress teacher at Groves High School for 26 years, serves as a central figure in student life. While students credit her for their success, Mason emphasizes that their achievements are the true reward.
“I’ve had a lot of luck to teach a lot of students who’ve gone on to have some pretty amazing careers. I’m just glad to have been a part of their journey,” Mason said.
Lovingly nicknamed “School Mom” by her students, Mason is known for her steady presence and genuine willingness to connect with students both inside and outside the classroom.
“She’s just such a positive, outgoing teacher, and we all look forward to seeing her. She’s a light in our day,” said senior precalculus student Marlene Jaehner.
Whether organizing elaborate Spirit Week events or designing creative lessons to make challenging concepts accessible, Mason balances leadership responsibilities with classroom instruction.
“You can see how hard she works. We in Student Congress can see it when we meet up with her during the weekends or when we hear all the thought she puts into things,” Racco said.
Her work isn’t limited to student growth. Colleagues consistently praise her dedication, character and commitment to the school community.
“She’s always wanting to improve. She’s kind, she’s generous, she’s fun, she’s a great listener. She’s all-around an incredible person,” said Laura Sheckell, a psychology teacher at Groves. “She’s my work wife and best friend. I can’t imagine work without her.”
As Groves prepares for her retirement, students and staff alike reflect on the profound role she has played in both academic and extracurricular life.
“I did struggle with math a little, and this year I understand math better because of the way she approaches lessons,” Jaehner said. “If you need something from her, she’ll always be there for you.”
Students aren’t the only ones who remark on her commitment. Co-workers say that this sense of academic support is the hallmark of her teaching style.
“She makes all kids know that they can learn and be successful, and all students know that she believes in them, and I think that’s pretty incredible,” Sheckell said. “She’s constantly reworking what she does to connect with more students.”
In addition to teaching precalculus, Mason begins each class with a “Question of the Day,” an activity designed to spark discussion and connection between students before lessons begin.
“You get to know your classmates on a deeper level because if you don’t do these questions, all you do with your classmates is math. Whereas if you have to answer the questions, you could learn more about them,” Jaehner said.
During her 26 years at Groves, Mason has organized 26 Field Days featuring more than 10 original games each, coordinated 10 Charity Weeks raising more than $50,000 and led select Student Congress members to a leadership conference at Disney World twice.
“When I took over GSC, it didn’t look anything like what it does now,” Mason said. What began as a small collective running a simple assembly expanded into a yearlong calendar of student activities, with Mason developing Charity Week, the Junior vs. Senior Assembly and new senior traditions.
In addition to cultivating school spirit and mathematical growth, Mason has served as a class adviser and coached Powerbuff, a men’s volleyball competition organized by students. Her dedication to Groves goes beyond her assigned duties, benefiting the entire student body.
“She just does so much. You can tell she puts her all into everything that she does,” Racco said.
Since her retirement announcement, many students are already wondering how school spirit will continue without her.
“How is Field Day going to be next year? How’s Charity Week going to be next year? It’s all because of her. The students benefit because of how she coordinated everything and how she made it,” Jaehner said.
As Groves looks ahead, students and staff see Mason’s years of dedication as a defining part of the school’s culture. Through mathematics instruction, event planning and mentorship, her influence has extended across classrooms and student leadership alike.
