Tutor brings century of experience

Sometimes it appears society has a preconceived notion that the elderly have little in common with today's youth, but Molly Wampler, who will turn 100 on April 25, has broken that barrier.

Wampler, a former teacher and current tutor, moved to Carson Valley last November with her daughter, Alex Peters, from Southern California.

She lived on her own until she was 90, when macular degeneration forced her to move in with her daughter.

A former high school teacher, she taught German, language arts and special education for only about a year before becoming a counselor.

She reluctantly served as an assistant principal for a short time because she wanted to focus on counseling.

At 70, Wampler was a founding trustee for Concordia University. She also retired at 70. She began tutoring because it "gave her something to do." Wampler has been involved with education all of her life.

Before moving to Valley, Wampler tutored some of the neighborhood children in reading. She tutors Jordan DellaVedova, a 9-year-old fourth-grader she met at a community dinner in Genoa.

"Jordan really connected with her. It was a very grandmotherly type thing," said Peters.

Although they focus on math, "We talk about a lot of things," Wampler said. "She's learning about more than just school."

For her birthday, Peters and her husband, new Genoa Town Manager Tom Peters, are taking Wampler back to California to see relatives and friends. A party is planned and around 130 people are expected to attend.

Turning 100 doesn't phase Wampler.

"She is a very ambitious, sharp lady, and although she is frail, her mind is still with it," said Peters. "She loves young people. She loves to connect and feel like she's helping."