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Associates described Aubrey Anderson as an
authoritative and inspirational man who left an indelible mark on
Lake Highlands.
When Mr. Anderson died October 17, 2003
at age 94, the founding principal of Lake Highlands High School
was remembered fondly by former students, faculty and administrators,
many of whom credited him with influencing their careers.
"There were a number of people in that
building that went on to administration with the school district.
Mr. Anderson seemed to take pride in that," said Jacky Russell,
a retired math teacher and coach. "He inspired me. He was one
of those straight arrows that come along every once in a while."
Mr. Anderson grew up in Randolph, Texas. He
served in the Army Air Force in World War II and earned a master's
degree from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce).
He helped open a school in Memphis, Tennessee, before moving with
his wife, Lonnie, and two children, Michael and Ann, to Richardson
in 1960.
Those who knew him said Mr. Anderson provided
a steady foundation for the fledgling Lake Highlands school, which
had its first graduating class in 1964. It moved from what is now
Lake Highlands Junior High School into the current high school the
following year.
Charles Carona, one of the first graduates,
returned to the school as an assistant principal. He was later principal
at J.J. Pearce High School and is now dean of education at Dallas
Baptist University.
Dr. Carona said the excitement and energy
at the high school during its first few years charged him for a
career in school administration.
"We got to pick the school colors and
the mascot," he said. "There were some wonderful teachers.
There was a school spirit there that you don't find many places.
And it's still there."
Mr. Anderson was a "hands-on" principal
who usually was in the halls chatting with teachers and students.
"In the '60s, Lake Highlands was kind
of like a little family," said Jerry McVay, who was
a teacher in the beginning and later served as a guidance counselor.
"There were only about 130 students in the first graduating
class. Everybody was real close. And he fostered that kind of atmosphere."
Mr. Anderson left his stamp on the district
in other ways, too. He was a charter member of the Richardson Retired
Teachers Association. And the Lake Highlands honor society named
its chapter after him.
After retiring in the late 1970s, Mr. Anderson
continued to inspire and help others as an elder and member of Richardson
East Church of Christ.
A memorial service took place at Restland
Memorial Park and Mr. Anderson's burial was in Randolph.
[NOTE: This article
was written by Sarah Post
and appeared in The Dallas Morning
News on Saturday, October 25, 2003.]
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