Val Stecher Newell

Hello to all of you Covelianos y Profesores.  I am unable to attend the reunion due to an injury, but I know that you will have a wonderful time.  I think the mini-bio idea is excellent; I’ve enjoyed reading those who have shared their post-Covell years on the web site, and I hope that I can get a copy of the compilation of all of the interesting stories,

After graduating from Covell in 1966, I stayed another year at UOP to obtain a California teaching certificate.  Some of you may remember that I also got married during that year.  It was a Reno ceremony (or lack thereof) with Mrs. Zeta Salisbury and Cathy Davis as witnesses.  I’ll never forget the scolding I received from Dr. Cullen for not telling him in advance and having him “give me away.“ Shortly thereafter, my new husband was deployed to Vietnam.  That year I went “home” to Missoula, Montana and taught in my old high school.  Teaching became my real calling, and through the years I have taught Spanish and English as a Second Language to people of all ages.  I wrote and directed a children’s after-school program, which I hope to one day publish.  In 2001

I earned a M.A. in counseling and worked as a bilingual counselor for middle school through high school students.  What a rewarding job!  I think one of the greatest joys of my life has been seeing so many of my students go to college with wonderful scholarships.  Of course, now that I’m retired, they stay in touch.  I’ve also worked as an interpreter and translator.

In 2000 I had the honor of chaperoning 12 outstanding Washington students of Mexican heritage to Mexico City for the Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Zocalo.  We joined other groups from throughout the U.S. for a total of 200 students and saw many sights.  However, there was a payback - marching practice in preparation for the big day. We were truly inept!   . 

I was divorced in1982, and five years later I remarried and settled in Wenatchee, Washington. My husband and I have 5 grown children and 9 grandchildren ranging in age from 21 down to 1 year.  My contribution to this blend is two daughters.  Erika was born in Bellevue in 1971, and Karen was born in Honolulu in 1973.  All of the kids and grandkids live nearby, so we are truly loving our role as grandparents.  Another one of life’s great joys!   

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have attended Covell College.  It truly was an extraordinary experience, and judging from the bios that I’ve read, we “covelianos” share a very special bond. I believe we also share gratitude for all that Dr. Margee Ensign has accomplished.  Felicidades y saludos carinosos a todos.