About Mary Lou Fletcher
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A Biography of Mary Lou Fletcher
I was born in the East Texas town of Roxton where I lived with my grandmother and my Aunt Alta. I graduated from Roxton High School, and then attended East Texas State Teacher’s College, now Texas A&M University at Commerce, where I graduated with a teaching degree in 1951. My Aunt Alta was a very positive influence in my life, as was her love of teaching. I was always amazed at her never-ending love for education and her students, and I knew from an early age that I also wanted to be a teacher, especially if that profession could be as fulfilling for me as it was for her.
My first teaching assignment was in Big Sandy, Texas. After one year there I moved to the West Texas town of Pyote, where I taught for two years. There, I met Elmer Fletcher, who was stationed at Rattlesnake Air Force Base and we were married in Pyote in March of 1954. From there, we went to San Antonio where I taught for a year while “Fletch” finished his service in the Air Force. Our only child, Jamie, was born in December of 1955 in Ohio where we lived for a short time.
We moved back to Texas in 1956 and I taught at Greenwood School and Austin Junior High in Midland until Fletch was transferred to Hobbs in 1962. I began teaching at Will Rogers Elementary School and stayed there until moving to Hobbs High School in 1967. I was at HHS for twenty years, retiring in 1987. I always tried to remember that each of my students was an individual and that each had different needs.
I think of every student I ever had as my very own and to this day, I rejoice in their happy successes and suffer with them in their disappointments. When I see a former student today, I may not immediately remember the name, but their face triggers a memory of the seating chart from that student’s class and I recall exactly in which desk they sat. It warms my heart to learn of their accomplishments and to hear from most of them that I had at least some small influence in their lives.
This is the greatest benefit of teaching. It is certainly not monetary, but goes much deeper than that. I honestly cared about every student I taught and one of my greatest joys is seeing former students and recalling some specific incidents that happened when I was their teacher. The memories are endless; not a day goes by that I don’t think of at least one former student and an event associated with him or her.
When my son was a little boy, I do not think he knew I worked. When asked what his parents did, he would always reply, “My daddy works at Northern Natural Gas and my mom goes to school.” That simple, childish answer is the highest form of praise I could ever hope to receive.
Mary Lou Fletcher, "The Spirit of Teaching"
Mary Lou Fletcher is an example for students to follow when entering the teaching profession. She is a wonderful teacher who brings a sense of humor and fun into the classroom learning process; but she will not tolerate any foolishness. Mrs. Fletcher takes an interest in her students by attending sporting events and other activities in which they participate. Even after graduation Mrs. Fletcher follows students through class reunions held in Hobbs. Mary Lou Fletcher truly exemplifies the “Spirit of Teaching”.
--John D. Hurst
“Mary Lou has always had the best interest of the student at heart, be it in the class or outside the classroom."
--James T. Richards
“She was a caring teacher who was not only concerned with the class content, but she cared for her students on an individual basis.”
--LaVoid Ford
“Mrs. Fletcher welcomed any question from a puzzled or unsure individual. Also, she was quick to share with a peer any unique technique that had proved successful.”
--Ruth Blevins
“She had the ability to make each of us feel that we were her favorite students and therefore should work harder so as not to disappoint her. She could reach all kids with her wonderful classroom demeanor and her quick wit."
--Tony Knott
About Mary Lou Fletcher |
About the Scholarship |
Scholarship Application |
Past Recipients |
Alumni and Friends
Frequently Asked Questions |
Home