Can you guess which LVHS teacher went to high school with former NFL star running back Eric Dickerson?
Yes, a current staff member actually knew the Hall of Famer--can you guess who? If you guessed our new math teacher Neva Smith, you’re correct. Here is her story…
1. Where are you from, and what schools did you attend? Originally, I’m from all over. I was born in Houston, and my dad was a rodeo bullrider, so we did the rodeo circuit until there were too many of us to travel…Basically, my mom probably said, “Hey, time to settle down.” I was in fourth grade at that time, and my family settled in Sealy, Texas, where I later attended Sealy HS, the home of the mighty Tigers! I went to school with running back Eric Dickerson, a collegiate All-American at Southern Methodist and All-Pro who still holds the record for most rushing yards in a season (2105); after graduation, I went to Prairie View A&M.
2. What do you like to do in your free time? I love to have fun, cook, eat chocolate, go four-wheeling; drive an 18-wheeler, work on motors, sew, spend time with my grandsons (they rock!), and play sports—basketball is my favorite--then softball, football, and tennis.
3. Specifically, why did you come to LVHS, and how did you hear of the opening? The reason I came to LVHS is too personal, but I heard of the school from my nephew Wesley Merryman.
4. What was your former position? I was a truck driver for two years.
5. What are your goals/plans and what do you wish to accomplish at LVHS? My goals are to become a better math teacher and to get the La Vega students to believe in themselves more.
6. What improvements would you like to see at LVHS? The only improvement that I can think of at LVHS would be free food for the teachers!
7. What do you like most about LVHS? La Vega reminds me of my high school. When I learned of La Vega HS from my nephew I looked on the computer at the district’s website and it seemed like a school where people cared, not too big--a place where people knew people…and I was correct. When I interviewed with Mr. Sexton, he stated that LVHS is a school that puts kids first…that’s when I knew this was where I wanted to teach.