Downingtown native Molly (Mary) Schwemler is the Manager of District Communications for the West Chester Area School District, where she maintains the district’s professional social media platforms, website, and regular communication needs along with digital communication specialist, Beth Hayes.

“I also develop communication materials to promote district initiatives like our Strategic Plan, Flexible Instruction Days, and much more,” said Schwemler. “These materials might be informative emails, videos, social media posts, infographics, and presentations. I also write and distribute the district’s monthly newsletter and additional printed materials, photograph district events, and develop crisis communications. Finally, I support the West Chester Area Education Foundation through communication materials, photography, and event/fundraising support.”

Schwemler attended high school at Bishop Shanahan and then attended Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland, where she earned Bachelor’s Degrees in English Language and Literature and History. Schwemler recently obtained a Master’s Degree in Communication from Drexel University.

“Since entering the field of Communication in Public Education, I have also received seven awards from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association and National School Public Relations Association,” said Schwemler. “These awards have been wonderful recognitions of not only my work but also that of the departments and teams that I have had the honor of working with.”

Schwemler’s first jobs included waitressing and working at the local Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Downingtown during her last two years of high school and a few summers in college. She credits fellow communication professionals and the team at the West Chester Area School District with having helped her grow into the professional she is today.

“My team at WCASD pushes me to try new things, shows their appreciation for me and my department’s work, and brightens my days,” she said. “Beth Hayes, Sara Missett, Kalia Reynolds, John Scully, Linda Cherashore, Chong Lee, Una Martin, and so many more people encourage me more than I can truly express.”

While many “big” accomplishments come to mind for Schwemler, she hones in on the little moments that mean so much.

“I am most proud of the little moments, like making genuine connections with principals and families, seeing students light up when I tell them we’ll be featuring them on our social media because they deserve to be celebrated, and spending time with teachers and students to encourage them to share their stories — they’re always so worth hearing.”

A few of Schwemler’s favorite spots to eat or grab a drink in Chester County include East Branch Brewing Company, Animated Brewing Company, Opa Taverna, Square Bar, and La Baguette Magique.

Schwemler and the rest of the 2024 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 9 at Penn State Great Valley.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.