The beloved art teacher of Lufkin Road Middle School had her last day of teaching on December 20, 2024. Though Ms. Barlow is starting a new chapter, she will never truly be gone from our school, as her impact has changed us and will remain for generations to come.

When asked what she believed made her job different from other art-themed jobs, she responded by saying that hers was “more rewarding” and expressed her closeness with the people of Lufkin as her “extended family." 

While responding to what she would miss most about her job, she described the time she spent with the people of Lufkin (from her colleagues, to the student families, to community partners and friends, all the way to her beloved students), who kept her creating, more organized, and excited.

In particular, she talked about “one of the incredible and most exciting adventures” of her life that she went on with her students and their family members on a non-school sponsored EF Tour to London, Paris and Barcelona. She partnered with Sra. Rodriguez to “take their students out of the classroom and to learn about art, world languages, and other core content areas” and said it was one of the most rewarding experiences of her teaching career.

Ms. Barlow said that the Lufkin Art Club that she formed upon joining Lufkin in 2013 grew from about 30 members to over 150 members over the years and was one thing that made our school unique, as the dedicated and creative students competed in the Spooky Walk, which served as a fundraising community event for supporting and maintaining the school’s unique ropes course. “In October, clubs and athletic teams competed to create the best, spookiest scare stations..and art club members and their parents worked so hard to build sets." One year, the school won and Ms. Barlow was incredibly proud. She also mentioned how the club never once missed a pumpkin carving contest, which was one of the traditions initiated by the former art teacher. 

She explained how there are some Lufkin art exhibits and art shows, such as the one held in the Apex Town Hall annually. This art show is for all Lufkin Students, rather than just the art club.

Many students knew of Ms. Barlow’s strong and frequent encouragement for art contests and she said that this was because of so many reasons, but described how she “will never forget how Antonio Fernandez captured hearts of everyone with his impromptu speech at the PTA Reflections Contest district art awards ceremony."

It is clear that Ms. Barlow has been one of the most loved teachers at the school for years. She thought it may be because of how she believed “individuals reflect what they experience most” and that everyone has strengths and she believed she was blessed with the gift of “seeing” what that was. One of her “goals and passions has been to share our art students’ remarkable talents both within and outside of our school walls." She said she was “humbled to have met so many community supporters and partnered with organizations who recognize our talented students and staff,” claiming this was because of school leaders, faculty, and most of all, the co-leadership of her art students. She then explained how Lufkin Art students “step up to make great things happen," resulting in an increasing number of students becoming involved “and each discover artistic gifts they didn’t know they possess." This, she believed, had been her favorite impactful aspect of her presence at our school. We have truly been lucky to have her.

The impacts of Ms. Barlow never fade, as time and time again, students in high school and college had come back to visit, who were former Art Club members. She said that they often volunteered and tended to keep in touch with her. Her favorite times were when her former students reached out to her and let her know how they were. She was proud of how some of them went into art-related fields and/or went on to do great things.

Ms. Barlow often enjoyed spending time with loved ones or running when she was not teaching and enjoyed getting outside every chance she could get. She had many mentor teachers and friends who “were instrumental in [her] believing in [herself] and paving the way that [she] cannot even begin to list them without leaving anyone out."

Previously, she had been a K-12 art teacher and at 3 different school systems and had met some “pretty fabulous educators."

Ms. Barlow has done so many great things, but they may not have happened without her mother, who helped guide her in what she might do with her life (when she was in high school). Ms. Barlow said that “she [her mother] was so motivating because she and [her] father always assured [her] that [she] could do anything and be successful at it." They were very supportive and an inspiration for her.

Reflecting on the changes at Lufkin over the “almost a dozen years” she has been here, she talked about how administration and faculty had come and gone, so she was a “veteran here for sure” and described how the fundamental things she’d always loved about our school have not changed. “Relationships are important," she claimed.

Now retired, she plans to move away to coastal North Carolina, where her husband is waiting for her to show up after he had to begin his job there a couple of months ago. She will be glad to join him and renovate their new place.

Reflecting on how Ms. Barlow has impacted the people at Lufkin, she always brought positivity and energy to school. She brightened the room she was in and created joy wherever she went. When students had creative ideas but weren’t sure how to approach them, she knew just what to do and inspired others to think outside of the box and take advantage of their artistic talents. Many students have been heard describing Ms Barlow as their “favorite teacher” and talking about how she’s so absolutely “awesome." From drawing, to clay, to paper mache, she has had so many ideas and so much to share. 

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of interacting with Ms. Barlow will never forget the positive impacts she has had on Lufkin Road Middle School. She will forever be a part of many fond memories and we will always carry her in our hearts. 

~ Thank you for all that you have done for us, Ms. Barlow, we wish you well!