Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Two longtime Gatesville educators, Larry McDonald and Linda Mathews were honored as Hornet Legends by the Gatesville Independent School District Board of Trustees for their dedication and service to local students. The awards were announced during the June 17 meeting of the GISD school board.
GISD Superintendent, Dr. Barret Pollard, had the following to say about the two Hornet Legends:
Larry McDonald grew up in Waco and survived the devastating 1953 F5 tornado, which killed 114 people. Larry graduated from Waco High School and married his high school sweetheart, Lou. From June 4, 1970 to May 5, 1972, he served his country in the military. From 1972 to 2000, Coach McDonald would put in 28 consecutive years of work for GISD. He and Lou had two children, Lisa and Jason, who would become proud Gatesville graduates. Early in his career at GISD, Larry taught Industrial Cooperative Training, a trades course at the high school. In 1987, he made the transition to physical education in the elementary grades. In one of his many evaluations, Don Edwards noted that Larry is "always positive and gave a great deal of praise to his students. He has a very good rapport with his students." Bill Bradley stated, "Students enjoyed the class and the teacher. They worked hard to please you. Class was well-done, well-prepared, and well-presented." Larry also found time to be a justice of the peace and led many local weddings. For all of these reasons, Coach McDonald is a Hornet Legend.
The daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Oley Beard, Jr., Linda Beard Mathews completed her entire public-school education here in Gatesville and was a 1966 graduate of GHS. During her high school days, she was a member of the band and drill team. She married another GISD grad, Rusty Mathews, and the couple had Kristi and Charlotte (both also graduated from GHS). After completing her degree from UMHB, Linda began her 34-year teaching career in GISD. From 1979 to 1994, Mrs. Mathews was a 1st grade teacher. From 1994 to 1999, she taught 2nd grade. Finally, from 1999 to 2013, she was a Title I reading intervention teacher. In a past evaluation, Don Edwards wrote, "She cares about her students and treats them with courtesy. Mrs. Mathews knows her subject area. She is very professional and maintains open communication with students, peers, parents, and administration." Marsha Worthington once wrote, "She goes above and beyond in planning and working towards instruction. I appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to your students." For all these reasons, Linda Mathews is a Hornet Leg
