Helen (Perry) Markell
Helen Marie Perry Markell graduated from FHS in 1934. She was a realist with an outgoing personality and the nickname Blondie. She was a member of the Girls Athletic Association, Glee Club, Operetta, Girl Reserves, and the Junior Class Play and still found time to be a cheerleader for several sports. Helen Perry Markell started the Creative Artist program at Lake Erie College. She taught Swimming at Lake Erie College summer camp and at Fairport Harbor Beach. For many years she networked to present an artist open house at Lake Erie College for art students and area artists. She taught artwork classes at Lake Erie College and at Wildwood. She always willingly shared her talent and encouraged artists believing that everyone had artistic ability if they just let it out. She later operated an art store with her husband in Mentor.
My Research on Helen Perry Markell
Helen was a junior at Harding in the 1932/1933 school year and played Mrs. Lee in The Jade Necklace. The Jade Necklace was a three act mystery/comedy presented by the Junior Class on December 9, 1932. Helen graduated in 1934 as a successful cheerleader, Glee Club member, Athletic Association member, Operetta member, Drama Club member, Girl Scout, and Girl Reserves member. She graduated with a prophecy of a typist and the her Last Will and Testament quoted from the 1934 year book: “Be it known: That we, the graduating class of the High School of Fairport Harbor, Ohio, do make this our last will and testament in the following manner:” Helen’s Last Will and Testament read “Helen Perry’s blonde hair to Dorothy Bittner.” Her blonde hair got her voted at “Blondest” in the school yearbook that year. Perry’s senior quote was “All that glitters is not gold.” Helen also played a part in the Senior Class show Nothing But the Truth as Martha. Nothing But the Truth was presented on May 4, 1934.