When she started first grade in part of the “new” Westerly Parkway Junior High School, Mary Kay Archer Montovino ’73 began a lifelong journey with State College Area School District that has included roles as student, alumna, parent, staff member, and volunteer. Now retired from the district, she continues to serve as an emergency substitute in the accounting office and recently retired from her volunteer commitment on the SCASD Education Foundation board, most recently serving as president until 2024.
From 1st through 12th grades, she attended school in six different buildings, including grades 1 and 2 in part of the “new” Westerly Parkway Junior High School, grades 3 and 4 at Radio Park Elementary School, grades 5 and 6 at Fairmount Avenue Elementary School, and grades 7-9 at Westerly Parkway Junior High School.
“The high school was overcrowded, so in 10th grade, they split our class in half and we attended half the day at the high school then crossed the street for the other half day in the “10th Grade Annex” which was at the lower end of the junior high school. Needless to say, it was a strange year, especially crossing the street in the winter!” she said.
After State High, Mary Kay attended Penn State but decided after two semesters that it wasn’t the best path for her. She enrolled at South Hills Business School and graduated a year later. Throughout her career, she worked in a local law office, and in various departments at Penn State, including the Registrar/Admissions, then in various administrative positions across SCASD, including the main office at State High (“At times, I would be stopped in the hallway by teachers asking me for my hall pass!”), Radio Park Elementary, Mount Nittany Middle School, the SCASD Reading Center, the Personnel Office, the Accounting Office, and, finally, the Assistant Superintendent’s Office, from which she retired in 2017. An Education Foundation board member since 2017, Mary Kay served the organization as secretary, vice president, and president.
Mary Kay’s husband Angelo Montovino is class of ’67. Her son, Stephen M. Brame ’92, PSU Class of 1996, is President/CEO of Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association & Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc., and daughter Christina M. Montovino, SCHS ’00 is Regional Vice President of Operations for Happy in the Valley overseeing five Jersey Mike’s locations in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
“Working in this world-class school district has been my passion for well over 45 years,” Mary Kay said. “And being part of the Education Foundation has truly been a pleasure, serving with such talented, knowledgeable, and passionate colleagues for the past seven years who willingly volunteer their expertise and time to such a worthy cause.”
“I am humbled to be included in the 2025 Class of Maroon & Gray Inductees,” she continued. “It is truly an honor to be among so many talented and successful members inducted since 2018 who have contributed so much to their communities.”
Mary Kay plans to enjoy retirement, traveling with her husband and children, and attending as many home and away Penn State athletic events as possible.
Reflections on State High:
“High school was so much fun! I enjoyed attending Friday night football games, basketball games, and wrestling matches, and attending mixers after the home football games. I made wonderful memories participating in field hockey, gymnastics, and track & field, and being a cheerleader my senior year.”
A lifelong commitment to service
“Throughout my career, I aspired to learn something new each day. I always wanted to better myself through obtaining new skills, which I also put to use in many volunteer roles, including:
- Volunteering as PTO Treasurer, working with intramurals, acting as Intramural Coordinator, chaperoning Fun Nights, chaperoning school field trips, Field Hockey Booster Club officer;
- Serving as the first President of the State College Educational Support Personnel Association;
- Planning our SCHS Class of 1973 class reunions every five years. I’m part of the reunion committee planning a 70th Birthday Party for our Classmates!
Advice for today’s students:
“I would say, enjoy school experiences, learn all that you can from your amazing teachers, and treasure the friends and memories you make. We are so blessed to have such passionate, caring, and dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff at SCASD! Be thankful!”
