After more than 200,000 questions and 44 years as host of “It’s Academic,” Potomac resident Mac McGarry was front and center in Annapolis on March 4, to receive a citation from Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R)
The governor’s reception room at the State House was filled with well wishers invited by Ehrlich, and the Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Jean Roesser to honor McGarry; the show's creator and producer, Sophie Altman; and Barry Sher, representing show sponsor Giant Food.
“It was Secretary Roesser’s idea to honor the ‘It’s Academic’ team at this time,” Ehrlich said. “She really does a great job.”
Roesser, former state senator from Potomac, said, “This is a special time of the year when we honor our seniors. This is older Marylanders month.”
While the audience listened to the governor’s words, they laughed at McGarry’s comeback remarks. “Because you were on ‘It’s Academic,’ is the reason you were elected governor,” he said. On another note McGarry added, “If you are looking for the fountain of youth, work with the best young people you can find.”
In his resonant television voice, he continued, “Our greatest pleasure on ‘It’s Academic,’ is proving each week the ability of our young people. We bring you the best every week.”
Echoing this sentiment, Elizabeth Boehner, director of Montgomery County Area Agency on Aging, recalled being a contestant on the show in the '60s.
“I went from being a geek to being a leader. [The show] had a profound effect on all of us. You all made it cool to be smart,” she said, addressing her remarks toward McGarry. Del. Jean Cryor, a member of the lieutenant governor’s commission on education, said, “Quality education is my priority. Mac, and ‘It’s Academic,’ deserve to be honored for their acknowledgment and recognition of high school students’ dedication to learning.”
Altman and McGarry, neither willing to reveal their ages, have no intention of retiring. It’s a year-round job on which they seem to thrive.
McGarry, a New York native, and his wife, Babette, have lived on Potomac’s Accord Drive for 46 years where they raised four children and presently have six grandchildren. Altman’s daughter, Susie, who was in the audience, now assists her mother in producing the show.
“Giant Food has been involved for 38 years,” said Sher, vice president, public affairs. “We have given out over $2,500,000 for scholarship grants plus $67 million in grants to schools as part of the ‘A+ BonusBucks Program,’” he said.
All three honorees received governor’s citations during the hour-long program and reception.
“Its Academic’s” host, creator, and sponsor have earned the show a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest, continuously running, television quiz show. The show will air, as usual, at 10 a.m., Saturday, on NBC.