Two women honored by Aubrey Education Foundation

By Basil Gist

Staff Writer

Two women have joined the Aubrey Educational Foundation Chaparral Elites this year.

Deborah Sanders and Beth Manning are two influential retired Chaparral educators.

The Aubrey ISD website explains that Chaparral Elites are in essence part of a Hall of Fame of Aubrey students, teachers, administrators, staff or friends. The intention is to honor those individuals for their excellence of service to the district or, in the case of alumni, incredible achievement in life after graduation.

Manning spent 17 busy years at AHS, according to a release from AEF. She taught a slew of subjects including typing, accounting and shorthand.

The release further states Manning was the progenitor of several extracurriculars at the high school, those being yearbook, newspaper and Beta Club.

She also held partial responsibility, alongside her co-sponsor Barbara Pyke, for the senior class as their sponsor. The release says their goals were to hold dignified graduations with seniors on their best behavior.

“The students were guided how to dress, act and absolutely NO GUM!,” the release said.

Between long after-hours and a menagerie of sponsorship roles, Manning was an exceedingly busy and well-liked member of the AHS puzzle, the release explained.

Sanders saw a doubly long stint at AISD, spending 34 years on the team before ending her career as superintendent of schools.

“She is the epitome of a person who is committed and dedicated to her community,” the release said. “She was a role model for

many as she based her success on the impact that it made on others.”

The once-superintendent was a quiet leader, the release stated. She expected no overt praise from her staff or the community she served. She held a vision of excellence for AISD and wasn’t afraid to do the hard work to make it happen.

“Sometimes leadership isn’t about the title, it is about how you influence and inspire others,” the release said.