Each year, the Mexico School District honors seven individuals who have paved the way for education in our school and community – pioneers.

Hence the Pioneers in Education Award, nominated by school district staff members. This year’s magnificent seven are Robby Miller, Sally Stuart, Mary White-Littrell, Joan Fecht, Teresa Freyer, Junior David and Nickola Phillips.

Miller served on the Board of Education from 2010 to 2016.

“I enjoyed the attending events like graduation, awards assemblies, sporting events, and concerts,” he said. “Educators and education is so important to the fabric of a community, and my goal was to help strengthen that system. I only wish I could have done more.”

Stuart served Mexico High School from 1987 until her retirement in 2008. She was first hired as a tutor from 1987-1989. Then, from 1989-2008, Mrs. Stuart taught French I, II, III and IV and served as the French Club sponsor and Foreign Language Department chair.

“There is a vibrance being among teenagers that inspired me, and I am very pleased to see so many of my former students living here, working in our fine town and raising their children to be Mexico Bulldogs,” she observed.

Mary White-Littrel spent her entire Mexico 59 career teaching at Eugene Field Elementary from 1978 to 2008. She served in special services teaching children with learning disabilities.

She refers to Eugene Field as a special place – like a family.

“The needs of the students were always our main priority,” she said. “I appreciate this special honor.”

Joan Fecht served the Mexico School District from 1976-2002. Although she began her career in Laddonia with Community R-6, she made her way quickly to the Mexico School District.

It was a familiar place, since Fecht graduated from Mexico’s public schools. She taught second grade at Eugene Field.

Freyer served the Mexico School District from 1993-2015, spending three years at Central Office as a Title I TLC teacher, three years at Eugene Field with Title I Reading, and her remaining years as an Early Childhood Education teacher.

“There is much joy in being able to make learning fun and seeing children, particularly those with learning challenges, find success in school,” she noted. “My life was truly enriched by my time with the district.”

David served the Mexico School District from 1986-2016. He worked full time for 30 years and followed up with two years as a part-time employee.

David worked in the Maintenance Department with some of the current employees. His specialty area was heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. David commented that he really enjoyed working with the people at Mexico 59, adding, “It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.”

Phillips served the Mexico School District as a food service worker at Hawthorne Elementary from 2008-2016. Providing a healthy school meal has an impact on students inside and outside of the classroom, and she knew this well. She often paid for student meals or donated other needed items, like shoes, to those in need.

Phillips has served the community as a Sunday school teacher and a 4-H leader, and as in her role with the school district, she just enjoys helping the children.

Phillips retired from the district in 2016.