Family members of Lawrence E. Elkins recently joined Elkins High School administrators, Fort Bend Independent School District Board members and community members for a dedication ceremony to unveil a Life and Legacy Memorial Wall honoring the former FBISD educator.
David Reitz, FBISD Board Member; Barbara Whitaker, principal at Elkins; Larry Elkins, son of Lawrence E. Elkins; with his wife, Becky and son, Danny; Diane Tutt, cousin to Lawrence E. Elkins; Lee LeGrand, daughter of Lawrence E. Elkins; with daughter, Erin Stauffer, son-in-law Todd, grandson Grayson and husband Jon; Laurie Caldwell, FBISD Board vice president; and James Patterson, County Commissioner and first principal of Elkins High School.
The memorial wall includes a formal portrait and three panels that feature school, military and career highlights of Lawrence E. Elkins. The Elkins family says they hope students and staff will find inspiration in viewing the memorial wall.
Barbara Whitaker, principal at Elkins High School, welcomed guests to the ceremony. Among the guests were Lee LeGrand and Larry Elkins, the daughter and son of Lawrence E. Elkins, and their families; James Patterson, Fort Bend County Commissioner and the first principal of Elkins High School; and FBISD Board members Laurie Caldwell and David Reitz.
LeGrand shared a brief history of her father’s background, often referring to him as a “true school man.” Elkins served in FBISD for 35 years, beginning his career in 1949 as a classroom teacher and coach at Missouri City High School. He later worked as principal at E. A. Jones Elementary, director of instruction and as assistant superintendent of schools before being named superintendent in June 1974. He retired in February 1984, acting as superintendent emeritus from Feb. 16 to June 30, 1984.
It’s always nice to see the lives of these dedicated individuals honored. Congratulations to the family!