Mary Royall Byrum - Director of Weekday School

Born where and when: Born in June in Columbia, South Carolina.  Grew up in New Orleans, LA

Family Facts: I am from a big family. We are now spread all over the map!

Education: Attended the College of Charleston and received a degree in English. Have a Master’s Degree in Education from Queens University.

How I became a Christian: Cradle Episcopalian. My Dad’s a minister and was at a church preaching in Conway, South Carolina the moment I was born. The rest is history.

The most important thing I do around here is: Try to support children in the learning process. I want children to be excited about learning and excited to come to The Dilworth Weekday School each day.

Favorites: Music Love Allison Krauss. How lucky are her kids to have a mama that sings like that!

Movie A Little Romance

TV Show Curb Your Enthusiasm

Food Anything cooked by the Brennan family in New Orleans (They own the best restaurants in the city)

Restaurant My favorite Charlotte restaurant is Vivace -best Mojitos in town!

How I spend my free time: I love being with my girls. I’m a runner and feel lucky to run in such a beautiful city. Love to travel as well and kayak up in the mountains.

Best books I’ve read recently: The Help

Prized possession: My two daughters, Madeline and Martha and our house bunny, Peter Cottontail

Nobody knows that I: My mother taught Winston Marsalis in high school, and I went to junior high with his brothers.

Hero I’d most like to meet: I recently read, The Glass Castle, a memoir by Jeanette Walls. I admire her and would love to meet her.

My vision for the future of Dilworth Church: I want to partner with teachers and the church to make The Dilworth Weekday School one of the best preschools Charlotte has to offer.

One way folks can pray for me is: Please support me in prayer by asking God to help me make the best decisions I can and to pray for me as I try my best to support the families and teachers at our school.