M A Salute To Women In Education
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ealizing that she had been given an opportunity to exemplify the
traits that she hoped to instill in her students, Mrs. Eagleton was al-
ways mindful to carry herself in a way that encouraged professional-
ism, integrity, respect, honesty, and other values that would hopefully
extend far beyond the classroom. It is her hope that in her classroom, “some of life’s
lessons were taught, cultivating and developing characteristics that will enrich their lives
and the lives of others.”
Mrs. Lamaris Eagleton is one of those teachers who leave a vast trail of students who
love and admire her, often crediting her with inspiring them to follow their dreams and live
out their life’s ambitions. One of the many students who excelled under Mrs. Eagelton’s
teaching is Mary Neal Fowler, her tenth-grade English student who grew up to become
the Assistant Branch Manager at First Reliance Bank in Florence. Mrs. Eagleton remem-
bers a young Mary Neal as “energetic, loquacious, and inquisitive.” She continues, “Al-
ways wanting to help, Mary Neal was a zealous learner. She always finished her work first,
probably so she could engage in conversation. She was innovative and was an achiever. I
knew that student would accomplish her desired goals. I am very proud of her and am not
at all surprised at her level of success. At work she exudes love and compassion, demon-
strating genuine graciousness with that contagious smile.”
Continuing in the footsteps of Mrs. Eagleton is another former student, Carol Hill.
Carol sat in Mrs. Eagleton’s English class and was inspired to pursue a career in education
that would lead her to become the Principal of South Florence High School. “I am so very
proud of Carol. I remember her as a bright and conscientious student, who loved to learn
and was excited about life. She gave her all to her school work in those days, and she
continues to do the same today as a wonderful principal. She is doing a great job leading
South Florence High.”
Mrs. Eagleton could write a book about the hundreds of students she taught and men-
tored over the years, each one holding a special place in her heart. As though she taught
them individually, she remembers each student with amazing clarity and fondness. But
how would Mrs. Eagleton like to be remembered by her students? “I would like them to
remember me for imparting as much knowledge as possible to prepare them to become
productive, well-rounded, and independent citizens--shaping their minds and stimulating
their potential. I want them to remember me as the teacher who laughed with them and
expected the best from them, who taught them skills to enhance and enrich their lives,
and who cared for, respected, and valued them.” From what we hear about you, Mrs.
Eagleton, mission accomplished.
Recently, Lamaris Eagleton was honored as one of First Reliance Bank’s Hometown He-
roes, as part of their program whose purpose is to recognize those who care for, protect,
and serve others and our community. In keeping with her humble character, Lamaris did
not think her years spent serving Florence’s youth as an educator warranted recognition.
In her thinking, it was she who received the honor, as she says,“Teaching was a privilege,
and I was blessed to have been able to teach so many bright and wonderful minds.” Thank
you, Mrs. Eagleton, for your contribution. You are indeed a Hometown Hero, or, as we say
in this magazine, She-ro!
A retired forty-year veteran of Florence School District 1, Lamaris H. Eagleton
resides in Florence with her husband, Curtis Eagleton, Jr.
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AUGUST 2017
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