Pomeroy, Katherine Puncheon

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Pomeroy, Katherine Puncheon

Katherine Puncheon Pomeroy had a remarkable ascent in education. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1896, she moved to Pennsylvania where she began teaching at the Philadelphia High School for Girls as a substitute teacher. Before long, she found work in the principal’s office as an assistant. She later became assistant to the principal, and later vice principal. In 1913, after some turnover in the principal’s office, she was appointed principal, a position not often held by women at the time.

Pomeroy devoted her life to supporting women in their educational pursuits, even after she left Philadelphia high School for Girls. She was treasurer of the American Association of University Women, as well as chairman of the Alumnae Council of the Alumni Association at the University of Michigan. She volunteered for Alpha Phi as well, and eventually served on its executive board as the vice president of the Fraternity.

She was described as having “a clear, straight-thinking head . . . ; the power to attract and to keep warm friends; a keen interest in the real problems of those around her; a charm as hostess that all feel who are fortunate enough to be her guests; a sense of humor that constantly supplies a wise balance in trying times.”

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