Karen McCain
The chance to live in her parents’ house brought Bloomington native Karen McCain back to Indiana, her Tarheel husband and son in tow.
Karen was born in Bloomington and was graduated from North High School and Indiana University, where she majored in elementary education. The desire for something new lured her to a teaching position in Randleman, N.C. Over 30 years, she taught every grade at the primary school there and ended up curriculum facilitator.
North Carolina wasn’t exactly uncharted territory.
“I worked at a sailing camp with my cousin Steve on the North Carolina coast summersduring college,” Karen says. “It was a family legacy.”
Upending her family after so long in one place wasn’t easy, Karen admits, but there was a silver lining in her decision.
“I met Alayna (Gray) through our dads, who worked together at IU, when I was 5 years old,” Karen says. “And we have been best friends since.”
The girls went to different schools but were able to grow their friendship through youth group and youth choir at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
Naturally, Alayna brought Karen to Tri Kappa.
“Alayna knew I was leaving my friends and the only life I knew and moving here with only her,” Karen says. “She knew I was struggling to meet new friends and so she said, ‘I think Tri Kappa is what you need.’”
That seems to have done the trick.
“My favorite part of Tri Kappa is the sisterhood and the camaraderie,” Karen says. “I love meeting new people. But, just as important, is everything we do for the town.”
Karen’s son Grayson has been involved in band at Bloomington North, which has given her another outlet for friendship. He was born when she was 41 years old and arrived 11 weeks early. She also taught school at Clear Creek Elementary with Tri Kappa sister Betsey Sturgis on a three-year contract.
Karen has served a co-chairman for the Blingo Committee and likes to help organize the logistics on Flower Day.
“With my experience being a teacher, I can figure out the (vehicle flow) at flower pickup,” Karen laughs. “The lines were such a hot mess! I put my car-rider skills to work!”
Karen’s glad she made the commitment to Tri Kappa.
“It’s an amazing group of women who care about others,” she says.
More About Karen:
Collects coffee cups
Loves thrifting
Is a creative thinker, teacher and crafter
Has played in a handbell choir
Would love to live at the beach back in NC