MONUMENTAL TALKS 2026 – Guests
Sharon Holycross
My name is Sharon (Linn) Holycross, and I am proud to say that I’m the youngest daughter of A.W. “Smokey” Linn, author of the Fireman’s Prayer. I have always been so proud of my Dad, and though I may be biased, I dare say he was truly an amazing person. A serviceman, a firefighter, a poet, a father, a husband, a grandfather and at times a ham. He was the best.
As for me, I am a Kansas native, born and raised in Wichita, but have spent the majority of my life in Oklahoma. I currently live on a few quiet acres near Tulsa, with my husband of 40 years. Together we share children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that fill our days with joy and laughter.
Through the years I’ve worked in several professions ranging from floral design to merchandising. I spent the last decade of my career in consumer affairs and retired from that field in 2015 to care for my mom in the final years of her life, which were spent in the home she and my dad built together and raised their family in. These days I spend most of my time enjoying the quiet life my husband and I have built together. Our favorite pastime is spending time at home with our family.
As the daughter of a retired firefighter, I am honored and humbled to have been asked to be a part of this 911 Memorial. My heart goes out to all of the families that lost loved ones on Sept 11th 2001. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all veterans, firefighters, and first responders who answered the call on that fateful day and those who continue to answer the call today, as they are all our heroes. Thank you to those brave souls that continue to show up “wherever flames may rage”.
Deborah M. Wright
Deborah M. Wright is a retired executive, mediator, and community leader whose career has been dedicated to strengthening organizations and serving others. She served for **13 years as Executive Administrator for the City of Everett**, overseeing special projects, neighborhood programs, and initiatives that enhanced community engagement and public service.
Before joining the City of Everett, Deborah held executive leadership positions in Employee Assistance Programs with GTE and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and founded Cascade Performance Resources, specializing in workplace productivity, conflict resolution, mediation, and organizational development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University.
A passionate advocate for **Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,”** Deborah was a member of the Rotary Club of Everett from 2002 to 2022, serving as Club President in 2015–2016. She is now a member of the **Rotary Club of Whidbey Westside**, where she continues to serve her community through Rotary service projects. Deborah also volunteers as a mediator for small claims court and assists local organizations with conflict resolution, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping people resolve differences, strengthen communities, and build understanding.