Mary Lou Crofutt-O'Brien

By: Shane and Tyler

Today Shane and I are here to interview Mrs. O’Brien a para educator at Ogallala High School. She started as a volunteer in Keystone School. When they closed the school, the staff at Keystone School moved to the Ogallala Public School District.  The entire staff moved to Ogallala Public.  Mrs. O’Brien said the best part of working at school is having contact with young people.  "It’s inspiring to hear their thoughts and ideas, and it’s nice to be able to help them become active members of the community."

In the summer time she is a vendor at the farmer's market here in town.  She also drives the Keystone bus route. She has a big garden and the thing she enjoys most about the farmer's market is talking to people and telling them to shop local.

Mrs. O’Brien grew up in Keystone, Nebraska.  Keystone is considered a farming community where people help out each other. Mrs. O’Brien is an active member and volunteer in her church.  She attends monthly church meetings. She is also a member of the library club.  Living in small farming community, Mrs. O’Brien indicated that when your neighbors are in need, you just help them out with it crossing your mind.  It makes a person feel good inside to help out other people in need.

Being an active member is just the way of life. Mrs. O’Brien mentioned you just have to be a part of the community by volunteering.  Her biggest passion is helping out her neighbors.  She indicated that it just makes her feel like she has made a difference in someones life.