Coast Episcopal School Fifth Grade Students had the unique opportunity to meet and chat with CES alumna Margaret Loesch on Wednesday, September 25 about her fascinating and rewarding 50+ year career in children and family television, during which she was the recipient of multiple Emmy (recognizing excellence in the television industry) and Peabody (honoring excellence in broadcasting) Awards.

Ms. Loesch, who, in the mid 1960’s, attended seventh and eighth grade at what was then called Christ Episcopal School in Bay St. Louis, grew up traveling the world as the daughter of an Air Force General and went on to study political science at the University of Southern Mississippi and international relations and urban development at Louisiana State University in New Orleans.  1971 found her as a clerk-typist at ABC where, as she relayed to the students, she worked hard and asked a lot of questions.

The CES students were spellbound to hear that Ms. Loesch went on to develop and produce some of the most iconic programs in children’s television including:  Smurfs, Scooby Doo, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, X-Men, Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies, Animaniacs, Transformers, R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps and the preschool educational series, Bear in the Big Blue House.  Additionally, Ms. Loesch served as President and CEO of the comics film production arm of Marvel Productions, was founding President and CEO of the Hallmark Channel, the Hub (since rebranded as Discovery Family Channel), and Fox Kids Networks. She served as President of Jim Henson Television Worldwide and was founding co-CEO of The Hatchery LLC,  50% of which was eventually sold to American Greetings.

She served as Vice Chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation, served for ten years as a member of the Board of Trustees of Sesame Workshop,  and currently serves as Executive Chairman of Kartoon Studios.

In addition to sharing personal experiences and answering the CES students’ questions regarding shows she’s produced and famous individuals she has worked with in television entertainment, the overall messages Ms. Loesch shared with the students were:  the importance of being open to opportunities, of asking questions and the willingness to work hard and with passion.  Perhaps the strongest notion she shared was how proud she’s always been to be from Mississippi, as she credits her Mississippi roots, steeped in its unique culture, with providing the foundation that made her eager to learn and to embrace creativity.

Coast Episcopal School has been dedicated to a life-long love of learning by developing the whole child – mind, body and spirit – and providing a joyful, unique and nurturing Judeo-Christian Community that inspires its students to imagine and create a better world.  Founded in 1950, CES is a member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).  For information:  Coast Episcopal School, 5065 Espy Avenue, Long Beach, MS, 39560.  228-452-9442. Coastepiscopalschool.org