Mary Belle Breeding McCorkle, Class of 1951
Educator

Mary Belle has been a valued member of the Tucson Unified School District educational community since graduating from Tucson High Magnet School in 1951, stated Ross Sheard, former principal of THMS. Her positive attitude and love of children is reflected in her commitment to education. Her enthusiasm, innovativeness, and genuine concern for education are exemplary. Her flexibility in working with students, teachers, parents and the public has earned her the enviable reputation of an excellent educator who truly cares for people. She served as secretary, teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and governing board member in Tucson Unified School District for the past fifty years. In this tenure she was principal of Borton Primary Magnet School; Assistant Superintendent of Instruction; Principal of Erickson Elementary School; Program Assistant for federal programs; Helping-Teacher for elementary schools; and classroom teacher in the TUSD. Dr. McCorkle is President of the America-Israel Friendship League, past president of the Old Pueblo Rotary Club, Past President of Women at the Top and is active in the Bethel Community Church. She is a member of the Davis Monthan 50. She was presented the Outstanding Educator Award by the University of Arizona Alumni Council of the College of Education in 1997 and awarded a “Woman on the Move Award” by the YWCA in 1991. In December 2000 she received the Arizona School Boards Association “All Arizona School Board Award.” Last year the Pan Asian Community Alliance recognized her as a “Friend of the Pan Asian Community”.