Thursday, April 25, 2024
The efforts made by teachers make a strong impact on students and are remembered decades afterward, and during its June meeting, the Gatesville ISD Board of Trustees paid tribute to two longtime instructors - Dona Gallagher and Ann Miller.
“There have only been a few of these (legend recognitions) so these two are in an elite group,” said Gatesville ISD Superintendent Barrett Pollard.
After spending a year teaching in Beeville and two years in San Antonio, Gallagher joined GISD in 1973 as an instructor at Gatesville Junior High.
For 21 years, she taught a class about occupations which became computer literacy.
“Mrs. Gallagher was teaching the students of GJHS concepts on the computer which were not widely used yet because that industry was still in its infancy,” Pollard wrote. “Dona was very well liked by students and staff alike. She became a fixture at GJHS before retiring in 1994.”
In an evaluation, Greg Hines wrote of Gallagher, “Students were frequently praised and encouraged. Students responded enthusiastically and worked well throughout the period.
James Baize wrote, “Challenging the students was a strength of the lesson. It was enjoyable for the students. Very positive.”
Roland Lambert wrote that Gallagher “works well with the students. Works well with the teachers. A very good teacher.”
***
Miller began her teaching career at Gatesville High School in 1969 teaching freshman English. She later taught junior English and sophomore English.
After taking a leave from education in the 1970s and 1980s to raise children, she returned to the district in 1987 and worked until retiring in 2008.
Miller taught yearbook, introduction to business, typing, microcomputers, business support systems and other classes.
Although she officially had 24 years of service with GISD, she also worked as a substitute teacher from 2008 to 2015.
“She was universally liked by staff and students,” Pollard wrote.
“Thank you for taking care of your students,” Ed Husk wrote in an evaluation. “Thank you for keeping their spirits up when times are hard. Students were always at the center of Mrs. Miller’s heart.”
Mike Barr added, “It’s obvious to anyone who watches her that Mrs. Miller loves her students. Her greatest attribute is her positive attitude.”
Larry Anderson wrote, “Great climate of courtesy and great rapport between students and teacher. She used every opportunity to praise students for their work.”
