Yesterday we visited the PALS program at work at Reilly Elementary. I took a picture of the portrait of the school's namesake, Margaret Reilly, but had no information about her life or career. Thanks to Reilly principal Anna Garza and the wonderful folks at the Library Media Center, here's what I found out.Miss Reilly taught in Austin schools for 52 years, from 1887 until she retired in 1939. She began teaching at the Bickler School, moved to Austin High School in 1900, and was named principal of the then brand-new Winn Elementary School in 1906. She also served as supervising principal for Ridgetop Elementary School. Miss Reilly was named the Outstanding Woman Teacher in Texas by Delta Kappa Gamma, and was also recognized by being named a lifetime member of the Texas State Teacher Association. She was frequently referred to in her lifetime as the Dean of Austin Principals. Now, that's an honor! Margaret Reilly died at age 74 in 1941, and Reilly Elementary opened in 1954.
I'm really enjoying learning about the outstanding educators and citizens whose names grace our schools. It helps me understand the community's longtime dedication to education and to the success of generations of Austin children. Our responsibility as educators today is to honor this legacy with equal commitment.
