Recently From The Paris News
By Sally Boswell This year’s nominees — named by the four county commissioners and the county judge — include Paris Independent School District teacher Debb Fleming.
Lamar County Judge Chuck Superville, who nominated Fleming for the award, noted Fleming’s 29 years of teaching experience and work with PISD’s Socrates and Future Problem Solving programs, which encourages students to take on projects that benefit the community. Her students have won numerous awards at the state and international levels for their work.
“Ms. Fleming is a ‘History Maker’ because she is training and educating the future leaders of the world,” said Superville. “By her work, the world will be a better place now, and in the future.”
Fleming grew up in an Army family, married a member of the Marine Corps, and has lived in many parts of the country and world. She graduated from East Texas State and Texas A&M-Commerce with a Bachelor of Science, history specialization, and a Masters of Science, Earth science specialization.
Fleming’s students have engaged in a number of projects over the years that have revolved around historical events in Paris and Lamar County. “Project Paris” lead students to chronicle the town’s history up to 2010, teaching younger students what they have learned and placing brass markers on downtown buildings with the names of the buildings in 1916-17. This year, her students are working to paint a flame pattern on city streets marking the boundaries of the 1916 fire.
“To receive this nomination is very humbling,” Fleming said. “I am honored that someone has seen something in me they felt worthy of honor. I know so many others who encourage and inspire me, so to be the one getting the recognition feels unexpected. I also feel blessed.”
When not teaching, Fleming stays busy riding bikes, camping, clogging, cooking, crafting and chasing grandbabies. She is also a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
By Stephanie Allums Five Lamar County residents have been nominated for the 2015 History Maker of the Year Award presented by the Lamar County Historical Commission.
Elaine Ballard, Aaron Barnes, Jim Ellis, Debb Fleming and Gene Stallings were recognized as the nominees during Lamar County Commissioners Court on Monday.
“These individuals offer so much talent to our community,” Lamar County Judge Chuck Superville said. “Remembering our history is like remembering your grandparents; it gives you an identity and anchors you.”
Marvin Gorley and Suzy Harper, both with the Historical Commission, presented each nominee with a certificate and explained the process for how and when the winner will be announced.
Each commissioner chose one person from their precinct as a nominee, and the judge selected one person at large. The Historical Commission will vote on a final winner.
On Nov. 19, all nominees, commissioners and their invited guests will attend a trolly ride tour of the inaugural path of the Fire of 1916 and the winner will be announced at the end of the ride, according to Gorley.
“You’re going to see Paris like you’ve never seen it before,” Harper said. “You’re all valued members of our community.”
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