Terry Kent McQueen: A Man Before His Time

   Advanced technology was once considered something only accessible to the very wealthy. In today's world, just about everyone uses a computer at work and at home, we take pictures with out digital cameras and send them instantly to relatives in our town or around the world, and we record milestones of our lives on personal digital equipment. 

   Years ago, as technology was becoming more and more advanced, Terry McQueen knew it would one day become central to our everday lives. His belief in preparing students for this trend through public education was part of the reason he became a member of the North Gibson School Board. 

   Elected for two terms, Terry served during the time his sons, Matthew and Keith, were students. "At my high school graduation, Dad was the one on stage handing out the diplomas," said Matthew. "I will always remember that."

   Not long after that graduation ceremony, Terry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. "He fought it with every ounce of energy he had. He never gave up," said Terry's wife, Rosalee (now Rosalee McQueen-Wright). "He was involved in many community activities, especially those involving our sons," she said, "and he was a champion for all youth in Princeton."

   After his death, Rosalee established the Terry Kent McQueen Fund to honor his memory and to support the educational endeavors so important to him. The fund's proceeds are granted each year to the North Gibson School Corporation to buy and maintain technology-related equipment.

   Over the last thirteen years, over $13,000 has been granted to the Princeton Community middle and high school and to Brumfield and Lowell elementary schools for a variety of equipment, such as computers, digital recorders and wireless microphones. All thanks to the vision of one man and his family. 

Terry Kent McQueen (Above)