Barbara T Stewart

I got married my senior year, which was an experience in itself! Discrimination by the administrators was unbelievable. For the next 21 years, we had 3 children, and lived in numerous places in Texas and Oklahoma. I was the typical "homeroom" mom, but also worked...income tax preparer, co-owner of a fast food burger joint, part-time rural mail carrier, secretary, bank teller, etc. My children's father and i divorced; I then enrolled in college in Chickasha, Ok, as a first-time student...in my 40's and a 5 year-old son to raise. During this time as a single mom, I earned a BA in English and a BS in English Education. I re-married after 6 years and got a teaching job in Henderson, NV. Walked in the classroom as a 50-year-old 1st year teacher. Yikes, what a terrifying moment!!! Quite a challenge for a Texan to teach English! I taught 10 years, (mostly 6th graders) retired, then moved to Lakeview, AR. Our 15-year marriage ended in divorce, and I moved back to NV to be closer to my children and grandchild. Note to self...NEVER move anywhere for anyone; move for your own happiness and well-being. I also vowed never to re-marry. Again, note to self...NEVER SAY NEVER. Four years later, I married my current husband, a Croatian-born retired Army Sgt. 1st Class; we have been married 2 years. He proudly served nearly 30 years and has been retired 20 years. We live the "Life of Riley" in Fort Mohave, AZ, which is just across the Colorado River from Laughlin, NV. We do some traveling, but mostly stick pretty close to home and enjoy the events around here. I'm just thankful to be alive, healthy, energetic, and blessed these days as I enjoy the fruits of my labor!
My husband of seven plus years and I are in the process of getting a divorce, which is a good thing for me. I will continue to live in this area of Arizona and regain my independence; can't keep a good woman down, especially a Texas woman!!

Two eventful memories stand out...the year Mr. Dean took the orchestra and band to Cloudcroft, NM. Soooo much fun!!!

The other was when some guys from Permian stole Spirit from the FFA pens west of town. I think it was before one of our rival football games. Anyway, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the guys ran our mascot so much, he died. The wrong thing to do! To this day, I make it clear that I went to OHS, NOT Permian! Never did like "Friday Night Lights" either! Of course, I could be a little prejudiced!