Range Rider Winter 2009/2010

Paths to the Prairie Elizabeth (Herndon) Dennington B82 My family was very poor. It just wasn’t in the cards for me to attend college, much less to attend the university of my dreams. My family was strong in faith and values but short in finances, so it came as a tremendous blessing when I realized that my dream to earn a degree to teach children could become a reality.

My friend, Sue Tarrant, talked me into applying to HSU, and God worked out the rest. To reduce expenses, I lived at home my freshman year. I was able to move onto campus my sophomore year by working in the business office after classes. Then I would drive across town to check groceries until 10 at night at Super Duper, which was owned by James and Cindy Parker, friends from my church family at First Baptist Church.

I worked my way through school, going on grants, scholarships, and then loans for the part that wasn’t covered. I graduated with my Bachelor of Education degree in August 1982.

After graduation, I quickly interviewed and got my first job as a speech/language pathologist in Mabank, Texas. This year, I completed my 27th year of teaching in the special education field in Red Oak, Texas.

I have never forgotten my days at HSU. I love to show my pride for my alma mater, and wore my HSU polo shirt for our last Spirit Shirt Day at work. My co-workers were jealous because I was the best dressed that day—hands down. ediane78@yahoo.com.