It’s not often that we get to thank our favorite teacher of all time for the impact that they have had on our life, but I am going to do that right now. On Friday, May 6, a day that San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter proclaimed “SAISD Difference Maker Day,” my favorite teacher of all time, Laura Elms, or Ms. Elms as I call her, was honored for 50 years of service to SAISD in her chosen profession of teaching. I know of only one other San Angelo educator who gave the same amount of years to SAISD, and that was Marjorie Howell, who taught 50 years at Crockett Elementary.
It was a morning billed as an opportunity to celebrate the many years of service to this district and to the field of education by so many dedicated staff members. School board president Max Parker reminded us that in a world where so many teachers are thinking of quitting due to stress and other factors, much like many other professions, we need teachers that are willing to give this district a minimum of 25 years. He went on, ‘We need teachers to educate my grandkids and their kids.’
After calling up the 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 40, 45 years of service staff members; then last but not least, my favorite teacher of all time bar none, Laura Elms came up the ramp to a standing ovation and clapping with loud oohs and aahs! Assistant Superintendent Farrah Gomez stated, Laura Elms has weathered many storms and has celebrated just as many victories. Nothing stops her positive force. She continued, Laura opened our opening convocation ceremonies in August of this school year by carrying the torch, so it seems fitting that we close our recognitions by honoring her milestone service and lifting up this “Golden Girl.”
Gomez said, "It is the greatest privilege to honor you! There’s nothing more fitting for the golden girl, who is the wind beneath so many wings, a hero and everything many wish they could be. Congratulations, Laura for 50 years of service!" As Elms walked across the stage, Superintendent Carl Dethloff put on a T-shirt like Elms that had a picture of her with the inscription 'Golden Girl.' As all of this was playing out, I teared up.
My path first crossed Elms, in the years '72 through '74 at Central High School. I ran for student council and served for three years under the young teacher, who I give credit for inspiring my love of politics. Not only did I have the distinct honor of being one of her babies, I have relished the special friendship that we have cultivated for these past 48 years.
I shall always hold on to the memories of my run for the San Angelo ISD school board in 1998, making it all the way to the runoff over several opponents and having in tow one of my biggest supporters, Elms. Not only did she give me a nice donation, she went with me daily, whatever time that I could to put out yard signs. We still laugh today about the time the water sprinkler came on as we were hammering in a yard sign or that we could get shot in people’s yards after dark putting out the campaign signs. Elms not only talked the talk, but she walked the walk.
Hence, it was very fitting that after I lost my runoff in the summer of '98 I was hired by SAISD as a School Service Worker (social), and my first assignment was with my mentor Ms. Elms at Lake View for three years. I looked back through my many emails from Elms; when I lost my mother several years ago, Ms. Elms emailed me, “Oh, my dear Dudra. My thoughts have been with you all day since I picked up the paper this morning and read of Eva’s passing. This hymn has been running through my head, I can just see your sweet mother surrounded by all who were there to meet her. “Pain and sickness gone.” “Life has just begun.” I know with every fiber of my being that she was met with the words, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ She went on, I will see you this evening and I will be there tomorrow as we gather together to celebrate Eva’s home-going.' Or the time three years ago when she emailed to share her sorrow in regard to us losing Isaiah Lewis. She spoke of how she loved him when he was her student as a sophomore. Then a few days later when I wrote a piece honoring Isaiah, Elms wrote, “Oh Dudra, isn’t this what makes our profession the best! Just think of the lives you, I and every teacher impact!!”
It has not gone unnoticed the lives that she has impacted for five decades. Year after year, the students love her, and likewise she loves them. I can attest to the fact that she considers each of her students, her babies. I love it that she never hesitates to say, “I am always so very proud of you Dudra. I love you!" As I walked over to the group surrounding Elms at the reception for all of the honorees, Elms' co-worker Holly Stovall greeted me. She expressed the same sentiments as mine, “Laura is my hero. She’s always there to support and love – creating fun wherever she goes. She is the positive force that inspires me every day!”
Another Lake View co-worker of Elms, Hec Knutson, shared, “From the day I started at Lake View, there was always this energetic ball of happiness that was on our campus. While at the time I didn’t know her, I knew who she was from all the kids talking about Ms. Elms. In the 24 years that I have been at Lake View, I have never known someone with such unending energy, support, care, nurturing and love for her students. I have traveled numerous times with Elms, and no matter where we are, someone comes up to talk and remember old school and class stories with her." Knutson said, "You know, looking at the pandemic years and wondering how we as teachers and students made it through and continue to do so, I am again reminded of Ms. Elms. Even as she struggled with personal loss during all of this, she has continued to be the shining light for many of our students."
My fellow student council member and classmate Butch Baker shared, “One could fill a thousand articles and billboards about Laura 'Poodle' Elms and the positive impact she’s had on the individuals that have crossed her path. I’m one of the luckiest of those people, because long before she was my teacher, she was my friend. Laura is compassionate, irreverent, eloquent, loving, demanding, entertaining, energetic and always supportive." He continued, "She deserves all the accolades one can pour on her and more. However, her true legacy is already imbedded in her countless students, friends and family members."
Baker culminated the overall consensus well, “If I were to put forth a single 'mentor' that has made the most impact in my educational life journey ... it would without question be Laura Elms." I concur. It is necessary that we give you your flowers as you yet live. Thank you Ms. Elms, thank you friend. We love you!