Grays Harbor Spotlights

Patricia Clemons, a 1944 graduate of Montesano High School, as well as a graduate of Grays Harbor College, was a treasured Montesano resident, being named Montesano’s Citizen of the Year and chosen as Grand Marshall for the Festival of Lights Parade in 2008. She was known as a dedicated volunteer and community leader, always sought to give her knowledge and resources for the betterment of the community. She was a true community champion and someone who understood the value of not only giving your money, but also your time. Clemons spent her 30-year education career with the Montesano School District, 20 years as a seventh-grade teacher and ten years as an elementary librarian. After her retirement in 1979, Clemons reportedly started a second career in historical preservation and was instrumental in the birth of Chehalis Valley Historical Society Museum (CVHSM), which was renamed in her honor, “The Patricia A. Clemons Chehalis Valley Historical Museum” in April 2021 shortly before she passed away the following month.

John Anderson, long-time resident of East Grays Harbor and employee at the Simpson door plant made sure to leave a lasting legacy for Elma students pursuing their academic goals. Always hardworking even as a youth, John began two paper routes in McCleary, worked in the McCleary drugstore/soda fountain and then for the McCleary Post Office. As a teen, he began a career at Simpson Door Plant. He worked there until his retirement. John was known for his generosity, kindness to others and his love of storytelling. He had a huge, generous heart and helped many elderly and many in need. He was an active lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Elma Grange and was known to have a personal library of over 800 plus hard bound books alone.

Between their two estates, $50,000 was awarded to several Montesano and Elma graduates this year pursuing college and trade programs across the United States. Their legacy will continue to live on for many years to come through both Montesano and Elma graduates and it is our privilege to continue to be stewards of their philanthropic wishes to make an impact on the lives of our local students.