Mary Ellen Withrow greeted by thousands of students, family of Marion friends

Marion marked the 30th anniversary of the swearing in of Marion Ellen Withrow as the 40th treasurer of the United States with several events on Feb. 29 and March 1.

On Feb. 29, Withrow appeared for two hours on "Now With Scott Spears" on WGH Talk. During the interview, she spoke candidly about the country and current presidential race.

When asked if she thought former President Donald Trump would be a dictator if re-elected, Withrow responded, "Yes, absolutely." When asked why, she responded, "Well, he's told us what he is going to do, so you believe him."

She also said she didn't think there was a bigger threat to democracy in the history of the country than Trump.

The celebrations continued as Withrow spoke to over 2,000 students at four area high schools − Harding, Pleasant, Elgin and River Valley − where she was joined by WGH personalities Kerrington Nelson and Matt Morgan. Nelson noted Withrow's ability to break down barriers as a woman, and Morgan called her an inspiration to all Marion residents.

Withrow received several standing ovations at the school events. Many of the students, all who were born after Withrow left office in 2001, stood in line to get her autograph and photograph.

Standing ovation 'filled with cheers of joy'

Spears, who introduced Withrow at all of the events, said the standing ovation in front of over 750 people at Pleasant High School was particularly moving.

"It was filled with cheers of joy. Eyes were teary in the audience as Mary Ellen stood and took it all in," he said. "I was standing a few feet from her on stage, and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life as a special moment clear and full and perfect like Mary Ellen herself."

The two-day celebration wrapped up at a reception at Kingston Residence in Marion on Friday morning where the residents were treated to "Withrow Waffles" − the waffle recipe that appeared on cards Withrow used during her campaigns for office.

At each event, the now 93-year-old Withrow gave the same speech she made when she was sworn in as treasurer of the United States 30 years ago.

"I like to think of my life as a river winding down through the years, its made up of an infinite number of fluid moments. Looking back you can remember some of those moments very clearly, and others take on a hazy perspective like the waters of your life," she said. "And their are those special few that you see in the moment before they fall into the stream. A single droplet clear and full and perfect. This is one of those moments clear and full and perfect."

"Now With Scott Spears" airs weekdays 8:15-10 a.m. on WGH Talk. You can listen live on wwgh1071.com or via the free TuneIn app.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion celebrates a special Mary Ellen Withrow anniversary