Mason marks her 15th year with CSC's Scholastic Contest

One of the many students to compete in the Scholastic Contest was Kathy Zeimens Mason, now an office assistant III in Student Services.

“My three friends and I were just overwhelmed. The CSC campus was like the big city to us," said Mason, who represented Hay Springs High School in the Algebra I test as a freshman.

Going from that day to being the driving force who helps organize the event has been quite a ride, Mason said. She has seen the infrastructure of the contest shift from manual processes such as test grading and registration evolve into electronic, online or automated processes.

Since 2001, Mason has played a vital role on the Scholastic Contest committee coordinating the logistics involved in preparation, helping hosting the event and sending awards to winners afterward.

Mason handles all aspects of registration, working closely with dozens of regional high school officials and the committee to plan the specifics for about 40 tests. She contacts CSC faculty, confirms they will administer exams and updates all contact information for test administrators. She also works closely with the conferencing office to schedule testing rooms.

Retired CSC professor Dr. James Wright said even though the faculty chair of the Scholastic Committee – a position he had for about four years – is officially responsible for convening and overseeing the activities of the committee, Mason effectively and efficiently coordinates many important particulars of the contest.

“She is the primary contact for the contest details and has been the ‘go to person’ when anyone has a question about the workings and structure of Scholastic Contest,” Wright said.

Normally, high schools in Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota attend the contest. Over the years, a few from Kansas and Colorado have also attended, Mason said.

Each year, Mason is responsible for building a database of all competing schools, including names of schools and individual student participants, lunch counts and other details.

In addition, she works with the Information Technology department to ensure accurate and timely individual and team scores appear on the Scholastic Contest Web page. She updates the Scholastic Contest website each year, including general information, rules and other sections.

Mason is widely credited with exceptional skills which contributes to a smoothly run operation.

“Kathy's years of hard work and dedication have made Scholastic Day a tremendous success,” said Jon Hansen, vice president of enrollment management, marketing and student services.

Mason’s former supervisor, Aaron Prestwich agrees.

“The amount of time, energy, and attention to detail required each year is extensive. She excels at the behind-the-scenes work necessary to create a successful event the size of the Scholastic Contest. What’s even more impressive is that Kathy always does her work with a smile and an optimistic attitude,” Prestwich said.

Laure Sinn, who has worked with Mason on the committee for 15 years said it is always rewarding to work together.

“She puts all the registrations, tests and awards together and I put all the fun activities together. It makes for one big, happy Scholastic Day family,” Sinn said.

—Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator