Well deserved

Owens dedication honors namesake's 'living legacy'

Evalois Owens got the chance to hear performances by Aubrey ISD students who go to the school that bears her name while she was surrounded by family and friends on Nov. 20.

The school's dedication ceremony included comments from Superintendent Dr. Shannon Saylor, board President Jim Milacek, Owens Middle School Principal Pamela Foster, Aubrey Education Foundation Executive Director Holly Drew and Evalois herself.

'She's the heart and soul of Aubrey ISD,' Saylor said. 'If we could all aspire to be like her, to have a commitment to learning, a heart centered around Christ, deep family values. Evalois models grace. Her faith guides her. Her spirit is kind, and she is someone we should all strive to be like.'

Saylor also spoke about how the school came to be, as Milacek alluded to in his brief remarks.

'The 2022 bond is what funded this school,' she said. 'Our community—we were lucky enough to pass a bond in 2022 for a 10-year build out, which included this second middle school for Aubrey ISD.'

Evalois served as the AISD secretary and business manager, and she was a founding member of the AEF, of which she is still an active board member.

The inaugural varsity treble choir and a portion of the first honors band performed at the dedication, and the members of No Place For Hate led the U.S. and Texas pledges.

Foster, who recognized the students and their directors, welcomed Evalois to the stage to speak.

'This is a treasure, absolutely,' she said. 'Can you imagine? I can't imagine a little 6-year-old girl starting first grade in Aubrey with Miss Tipps as my first grade teacher.'

She spoke of her work in the district, which began in 1965.

'That began my career at our small school of 200 kids, 10 grades and an outdoor toilet,' Evalois said. 'My, how we've improved.'

She spoke with honor and reverence about being among the namesakes for Aubrey's schools—James A. Monaco, Pete and Myra West, H.L. Brockett, Terrie McNabb and Jackie Fuller.

'I feel it an honor to be in that class of people,' Evalois said. '… Words just cannot express my gratitude to all of you for this honor.'

Saylor also had a surprise for Evalois: comments she shared on behalf of former Superintendent Dr. James Monaco.

As Saylor spoke for him, Evalois and her husband of 65 years, Buddy Owens, beamed.

'We are here to honor a woman whose career was not just a job but a truly irreplaceable legacy and dedication to the Aubrey ISD school community,' Saylor read. '… When we talk about the history of the district, we talk about Evalois. … She has not only witnessed our history; she has lived it, shaped it and been the anchor that kept the ship sailing smoothly through every change.'

Evalois was also presented with a U.S. flag from U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill, RDistrict 26.

Drew spoke last, sharing the impact Evalois has had through the Aubrey Education Foundation and speaking of her 'living legacy.'

'Evalois' influence reaches far beyond the organization itself,' Drew said. 'She continues to inspire people. She encourages teachers, uplifts students and reminds us all of the power of giving back. She's a mentor, a friend and a true example of what it means to serve others with grace and heart.'

Among the family members present was Evalois and Buddy's daughter, Jill Alverson.

'It is very impressive and amazing that this school looks the way it does after me growing up in this small little school that I grew up in,' she said. 'It's a testimony to her life and to her legacy and to all the things that she has put into this, and I'm very proud of her and of the Aubrey school district.'