A former Jefferson-Scranton High School speech coach was inducted into the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame at ceremonies held last Friday at the coaches convention held in Ames.
Teresa Lawler was recognized as the coach at Ankeny Centennial.
Lawler first encountered the IHSSA at Glenwood while under the direction of IHSSA Hall of Famer Marrianne Driml, and Michael R. Schmidt. She spent 36 years teaching in five central Iowa schools: Carroll, Melcher-Dallas, Jefferson-Scranton, Ankeny, and Ankeny Centennial. During her tenure, she coached speech events and debate while sponsoring student council, GSA, and service clubs.
She served as IHSSA Southwest District officer, hosted contests numerous times, and proudly counts seven former students as language arts teachers and/or speech coaches.
She was awarded the 2021 NFHS Association Speech, Debate, Theatre Educator Award; a 2010 Golden Apple; and the 2002 Iowa Student Council adviser of the year.
Introducing Lawler for the honor was Allison Hicks McCarville of Manning, a J-S graduate with the class of 2000. Lawler was thrilled to receive the award and to have McCarville present it to her.
“My best memories of coaching are with my Jefferson-Scranton kids,” said Lawler. “They were the absolute best. Lots and lots of memories with those kids.” ~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
