Carol Fitzgerald, Sterling High School, class of 1968, grew up in what we now call the turbulent ‘60s, which perhaps made her a logical fit for social service. However it is her keen mind, empathetic soul, and thirst for equality and justice that made her a perfect fit for shepherding the YWCA of the Sauk Valley into the 21st century. While at Sterling High School, Carol wrote and served as copy editor for the Script and participated in debate. She became a French scholar earning her bachelor’s and master's degrees in French language and literature. Of course, Carol flirted with the idea of international travel and becoming a translator for the United Nations... but she was one of the amazing people who “bloomed where she was planted” and remained local. She began her professional career teaching French, but moved to working in social service with the YWCA, the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program, and the then-fledgling Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), recognizing education and opportunity were the keys for success and economic betterment for her clients. Under her leadership, as executive director and CEO of the YWCA of the Sauk Valley since 1985, Carol has brought and continued the mission of the national YWCA of “empowering women and eliminating racism” to our communities. The YWCA strives to respond to the needs of the community. Programs include rape crisis center, domestic violence programs, diversity programs, career services, immigrant outreach, girl's empowerment programs, and many women’s and family services. Most of these were initiated under Carol’s leadership. Carol participates with the YWCA on regional and national levels with committee memberships and advisory positions. As a member of Twin City Sunrise Rotary since 1995, Carol also serves the good of our communities. Through Rotary's program, Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education (STRIVE), Carol was a mentor for several years, working with students in the bottom third of their high school class. She served as the club’s second female president and second female member of the board of directors. Always with a full calendar, Carol also participates on committees and boards that appreciate her expertise. The director of the Whiteside County United Way said, “If you want it done right... call Carol,” a sentiment shared by the Whiteside County Board of Health, Whiteside County Community Health Advisory Council, Rock Falls Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, and, of course, United Way of Whiteside County. Carol shares, “I am a 14-year breast cancer survivor. My journey through a year of treatment helped teach me to see the positive side of life and taught me to value and appreciate the support I receive daily. I am pleased that, often, I have been fortunate enough to provide support, information, and sisterhood to other women who have recently been diagnosed with the disease, supporting them on their journey.” Carol and her husband of 43 years, Doug Becknell, spend as much time as possible with “the world's best grand-daughter” and her parents. Carol has three siblings, Daniel ’71, Douglas ’72, and Nancy Fitzgerald McLaughlin ’76; Dian Fitzgerald, Carol's mother, taught at SHS.