A two-ton granite monument was dedicated Sunday at East Lake Elementary School (formerly East Lake Junior High) to beloved teacher Elizabeth Sorrells.
General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon, County Commissioner Ben Miller and community leader Manuel Rico placed the marker.
Judge Moon said, "The monument is dedicated to Elizabeth Sorrells who taught there from 1950 until her retirement in 1980.
"She is a legendary teacher who did so very much more than simply
educate kids. She loved them.
"In April of 1966, she and her sister
Thelma, took approximately 20 kids from East Lake by train to
Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Gettyburg, Williamsburg and Harpers Ferry.
"I hope that this tribute to this wonderful woman and educator also
serves as an appreciative gesture to all of those dedicated teachers in
our community.
"I especially want to thank Commissioner Ben Miller and
Manual Rico for their kind contributions on behalf of all of the
students and staff who were touched by Mrs. Sorrells.
"Make no mistake about it, one dedicated teacher can make a difference."
Commissioner Miller said, "I am delighted to assist Judge Moon and the former students and staff to erect this monument and to memorilize this wonderful woman and teacher. It is truly a tribute to all good teachers."
When Mrs. Sorrells died several years ago, she had her ashes strewn beneath the windows of her old classroom.
Facing the new school, her classroom was on the right corner of the
building facing East Lake Park, Judge Moon said.