PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) -- A Pekin woman knows no bounds when it comes to giving back to the community she loves.

"I'm very proud," said Maureen Naughtin. "I'm very honored. I'm very excited."

Her favorite people carried the banner at the 2025 Pekin Marigold Festival, highlighting Maureen Naughtin as the grand marshal. She was selected for the distinction for her myriad of service projects, volunteer efforts, and years of dedication to sculpting students' education at Pekin High School.

"I moved to Pekin in 1985 for a position at the Community High School," said Naughtin. "I taught English literature, writing, research, writing, creative writing. I taught at Pekin High for 30 years. (Up to) my retirement in 2015. I loved teaching. It's a wonderful school, and I had fantastic students."

She

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