Author Archives: Terry Lee Marzell

About Terry Lee Marzell

Terry Lee Marzell holds a bachelor's degree in English from Cal State Fullerton and a master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Cal State San Bernardino. She also holds a certificate for Interior Design Level 1 from Mt. San Antonio College. She has been an educator in the Corona Norco Unified School District for more than 30 years.

Lucia Rede Madrid: Pioneer Texas educator and librarian

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Educator Lucia Rede Madrid in the Blue Room of the White House where she received presidential recognition.

There are many fine educators who have contributed to the development of America’s border-town communities. One of these was Lucia Rede Madrid, a dedicated teacher from the border town of Redford, Texas.

Lucia Rede was born in Polvo, Texas, on January 8, 1913. She was the sixth of eight children born to Eusébio Rede and Antonia Luján, who had settled in the area in 1870. When Lucia was only 12 years old, her family relocated to the tiny community of Marfa, West Texas.

Lucia was born to be a teacher. As a young girl, she helped to educate her brothers and sisters. In fact, seven of the eight Rede children became teachers. Lucia earned both her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Education, both from Sul Ross State University. Sul Ross is a public institution of higher learning located in Alpine, in the Big Bend region of the far western part of Texas. After earning her degrees, Lucia taught at public schools in Marfa and Redford for 23 years.

After her retirement from the classroom in 1976, the dedicated educator established a private lending library in the isolated border town of Redford in 1979. She started the library with just 25 books. By 1992, the collection included over 15,000 volumes. The institution gained national attention and still functions today as a library and museum. Current library holdings include Lucia’s personal Library Hall of Fame, a collection of portraits of individuals who were children in Redford that have gone on to successful careers as engineers, doctors, teachers, and accountants.

For her work as a pioneer educator and librarian, this chalkboard champion has garnered many accolades. She was once featured on the NBC Today Show, and a story about her was published in National Geographic in February, 1984. The story was entitled “West of Pecos.” In addition, Lucia was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award by President George W. Bush in 1990, and the Ronald Reagan Award for Volunteer Excellence. In 1989, Lucia was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.

Lucia passed away at the age of 90, but her work has not been forgotten!

Beloved educator Derrick Nelson succumbs to bone marrow donation procedure

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Beloved New Jersey principal Dr. Derrick Nelson succumbed last Sunday from complications sustained when he underwent a procedure to donate life-saving bone marrow to a 14-year-old teenage boy in France.

Students and teachers at Westfield Public High School in New Jersey are mourning the loss of their beloved principal, Dr. Derrick Nelson, this week. Derrick passed away last Sunday from complications sustained while he was undergoing a procedure to donate bone marrow. Through the Be the Match organization, the life-saving bone marrow was given to a 14-year-old teenage boy in France.

The educational community has been enriched by the presence of Chalkboard Hero Dr. Derrick Nelson, and his loss will be keenly felt. Students remember their principal for supporting students at games, plays and concerts, and for the impact he left on those around him. “He always tried to inspire students in the classroom and outside to be good people,” expressed Senior Class President Jackson O’Brien in an interview with ABC 7. “And I think he served as a great role model.”  Derrick’s father, Willie Nelson, agrees. “He was the type of guy to take the shirt off his back and give it to you,” Willie remembers. “He was very good at everything he did. He gave 100 percent of his life to education.”

Derrick earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Mass Communications and Media Studies from Delaware State University in 1997. He earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at St. Peter’s College in 2003. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration in Seton Hall University in 2013. Derrick also served 25 years in the US Army Reserves, and had recently re-enlisted. His military service included an assignment in the Middle East.

Medical professionals emphasize that, while any medical procedure carries some degree of risk, death from bone marrow donation procedures are extremely rare.

Educator Anna Boyd Ellington, founding member of the Delta Gamma Fraternity

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Anna Boyd Ellington

Educator Anna Boyd Ellington, one of three founding members of the Delta Gamma Fraternity.

Teachers are among the most community-minded individuals who work to improve the lives of citizens in any community. One of these very hardworking teachers is Anna Boyd Ellington, one of three founders of the Delta Gamma Fraternity in the 1800’s.

Anna was born on January 22, 1856, in Kosciusko, Atlanta County, Mississippi. Her father was a member of the Mississippi State Legislature, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Anna taught in public schools until her marriage to Daniel W. Ellington.

In 1873, Anna and two of her colleagues founded the Delta Gamma Fraternity at the Lewis School for Girls in Oxford, Mississippi. These three educators worked tirelessly to promote among their students a sense of high ideals and standards, intellectual growth, and community service. They chose as their motto “Do Good.”

The Delta Gamma fraternity still exists today. Now an international organization, membership has grown to more than 250,000 women worldwide, with 151 collegiate chapters and more than 200 alumnae groups across the United States and Canada. Members continue to place strong emphasis on personal values and standards, academic excellence, leadership, and service.

This chalkboard champion passed away on August 12, 1907. She was only 51 years old.