‘I’m an Iowa girl’

MT. PLEASANT — Growing up in Mt. Pleasant in the 1980s, Mary Carrick was known for her voice among her peers, teachers and the community. Being involved in choir, speech, theater and sports, Carrick was active in the community. Growing up she had a few mentors in the community that helped her along the way.

“I was fortunate to have some wonderful mentors growing up. My high school choir director, drama directors, English and language arts teachers, piano teacher, community theater directors were all so instrumental, each in their unique way,” Carrick said.

“There were a lot of people around me who recognized some semblance of talent, even just a flicker, and encouraged me and helped me find my way,” Carrick added.

Carrick is excited to be returning to Mt. Pleasant to perform at the Henry County Health Center’s 100-year Anniversary Gala on Nov. 6.

“It's still home to me. And with that, it's important to me that the area I grew up in continues to thrive and a vibrant hospital that cares for the community is a vital part of that,” Carrick said. “If I can play a small role, such as be part of an important celebration, like the anniversary gala, I'm honored to do that. I'm an Iowa girl.”

Carrick’s family includes longtime members of the HCHC board of trustees including her mother, Carmen Heaton, who is currently on the board, and her late grandmother who served on the board as well.

Carrick had a good time growing up in Mt. Pleasant with her parent’s owning the Iris Diner at the time, most of her childhood memories come from within its walls.

“It was central to our family, and both my brother and I spent a lot of time there helping in various ways. The restaurant was a big part of my childhood, and I do think that being around adults from such a young age has a lot to do with my feeling comfortable on stage in front of an audience,” Carrick said.

While growing up at the diner, Carrick learned to work hard and learned to appreciate small businesses like the Henry County Health Center.

“They're the heart of a community. When you're from a smaller community as opposed to a larger one, there's a real focus on preserving, nourishing and bolstering key elements of the community,” Carrick said.

Carrick not only enjoyed her family’s business but enjoyed the creative process and the creativity that she bolstered in school.

“It was fun, and I found I really loved the creative process and just being around creative people. It's so important for young people to find their tribe and find where they fit, and I don't think we ever really outgrow that,” she said.

After leaving Mt. Pleasant for college, Carrick grew as an artist and landed in Omaha where she works in corporate America in the day and sings at Omaha Opera at night.

“One of the pieces of advice I'd give every young artist, is to remind them that life winds around and around. There are detours. There's ebb and flow,” she said.

“When I was in school, I wanted to be an opera singer. Then I decided I didn't,” Carrick said. “Years later, I found it again where I had landed, which is in Omaha, and have been performing regularly there and regionally ever since.”

Carrick is expected to bring a trio of artists to perform at the gala in November and is expected to perform a wide range of music for the audience.

“As is typical with my shows, I'll bring some variety to my set list. Everyone will surely hear some songs they know and love. I generally like to represent different decades and genres in my shows and bring in a little humor, too,” Carrick said.