The HHS Alumni Scholarship Fund Committee is thrilled to announce Ms. Elizabeth Smyre as our first Teacher Honoree.

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We wish to make this granting program sustainable and in the spirit of teachers like Ms. Symre, who dedicated a life to the educational system of Hickory, and through that dedication impacted so many lives. 

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​Elizabeth grew up on a farm in Claremont, NC and was a shining example of someone raised in a rural environment that at the same time pursued a variety of intellectual pursuits. She attended Claremont schools and later attended and graduated in Mathematics from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC. In the 1960’s, she received a master’s degree from Duke University. After graduation, Elizabeth took a job teaching Mathematics at Hickory High School and remained teaching there for 30 years.
 

Outside of her home and family, teaching was the love of Elizabeth’s life. She truly loved her vocation and received numerous accolades for her teaching throughout her career.

 

Invariably when complimented for her work, she would always respond “Well I had really good kids”. These “kids” continued to be a large and important part of her life for many, many years.