Grand Marshal:
Marion Kellum
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Marion Kellum was born August 5th, 1935 in Anderson, IN, was raised on a farm near Alexandria. In High School he was active in art, theatre and academic activities, was elected to the National Honor Society and most importantly, met the love of his life.
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Mr. Kellum entered Indiana University as a freshman and was cast in several plays and related theatre activities.
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In September of 1956 Marion transferred to Ball State University where Rosemary Jackson was enrolled in the Nursing Program. Upon her graduation as Salutatorian in the Nursing Class of 1958, they were married. While Rosemary took a position teaching at the School of Nursing, Mr. Kellum continued his studies and received his B.S. in English and Art Education in spring of 1959.
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That same year, Marion accepted a position at (then) Crown Point Jr. Sr. H.S. teaching Art and English and directing the Junior Class Play. He volunteered to assist the H.S. Choral Director with one of the first of the soon to be annual Musicals.
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He received the M.S. Degree in English Education in 1961.
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He created the Drama Class at the H.S. in 1964 and continued teaching Art, and English and directing class plays and assisting with the Musicals.
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In memory of several Crown Point students who lost their lives in Viet Nam, he wrote and directed the movie, 'David', which was shown both locally and to several other high schools in 1969.
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In the early 1970s a committee was formed to raise the funds necessary to build the Hob Pool. Mr. Kellum assisted with the creation of 'Cool Pool Capers', three annual musical variety shows, until the drive was successfully completed.
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Marion was named Manager and Technical Director of the newly constructed Crown Point High School Auditorium on the campus on west Joliet Street in 1976. In this capacity he was able to continue to work with the High School productions and to be of assistance to community groups as diverse as the newly formed Playmakers Community Theater Group, Shirley's School of Dance, Lake County 4H and many others. Hundreds of young people were trained by Mr. Kellum and served on the technical and service crews needed for all of the many events in the auditorium.
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In 1984, with Sue Mercer, he wrote and directed the historical play "THE BEST OL' COURT HOUSE" as part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Crown Point. With nearly 100 cast members and numerous production staff, this was a monumental undertaking.
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Marion was honored locally for excellence in teaching and service to the community before his retirement in 1995. He has continued to volunteer generously of his time and talents to are high schools and community groups, including the newly built CPHS at the end of Main Street, and the recently formed Crown Point Community Theater. Currently Marion is completing a series of seven large murals in the just opened Colonel John Wheeler Middle School on the site of the old High School where he served for so many years.
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