Our dear friend Margaret Gandy, passed away on April 8, 2010, at the age of 77. Margaret was a native Floridian born in Orlando on August 14, 1932. She graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in recreation education, was a member of Delta Zeta sorority and managed the campus radio station. Her second degree was a Master of Religious Education from Duke Divinity. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Margaret was an advocate for education and committed to her faith, her family, and her students. She started as a volunteer at Plant High School in 1985 and became a member of the school staff in 1986. Margaret developed the first guidance resource specialist program in the state at Plant and nurtured similar programs throughout the state of Florida receiving national recognition for her accomplishments. Her students at Plant affectionately nicknamed her office “Gandyland”. She was recognized in 2002 as the Rotary Clubs first recipient of the “Outstanding Educator Award”. After retiring in 2003, she continued her work through College Guidepost and actively worked with the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling.

 

On a more personal note.... I first met Margaret when I was at Plant High School, and Margaret was my college guidance counselor. I remember "Gandyland" well, and spent a good deal of time in and out of that office when trying to decide where to pursue my college education. Margaret showed me a beautiful picture of Rice University once, and suggested that I research the school. She then helped me with the admissions process from start to finish, and she was there to give a hug when I received my acceptance letter. At the end of senior year, Margaret helped edit and conduct the rehearsal for my Salutatorian speech - PHS class of '98! She was a constant source of friendship, guidance and encouragement. 

In 2005, when I moved back to Tampa, I looked up my friend and we got together for lunch at her home to discuss the details of starting a tutoring business in Tampa. Margaret was still helping so many students in the area with their college admissions process, and she gave me the encouragement, motivation, and direction that I needed to start the wheels turning for Blue Owl Tutoring. She was such an inspiration, and for that I will forever be thankful to her! 

Much love to you Mrs. Gandy.... you will always be in my heart!