Page 13 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2025 - Online Magazine

EXCEPTIONAL SENIORS

Program, which allowed her to students, faculties, and parents was “to get the families back into
train K-6 teachers in techniques to with a significant emphasis on society better equipped because of
improve the students’ writing skills. children’s literacy. During that time, the knowledge and encouragement
Her leadership and organizational she implemented programs such as gained.” Toza describes the unique
skills were recognized, and Toza Early Literacy, Reading Recovery, blessing she received each December
was selected to be the principal at and the Accelerated Reader as she watched homeless children
Maedgen Elementary, a position Program. She wrote and received open gifts on Christmas morning
she would hold for nine years grant funding for the Literacy while their families experienced
(1993-2002). It has been said that “A Library and ensured training for the a memorable event marking that
principal has the power to motivate, Early Literacy Program. When she special day. The Family Promise
inspire, and transform their staff retired from public education, the Program has maintained a positive
and students through the course of Maedgen faculty and staff dedicated success rate in the Lubbock
a day, a week, or an entire school a “Reading Nook” in her name so community.
year.” When Toza served as teacher that students would continue to
at Williams, she had heard principal nurture their lifelong love of reading While Toza was involved with
Carroll Lockett include these words as they remembered their valued public education and community
each day, “Everyone you meet former principal. involvement, Cecil was living a life
today is going to love you!” When of service through his vocation and
Toza became Maedgen’s principal, Upon her departure from public his music. He faithfully served for
she included these words in her education, Toza was invited to 37 years in transportation for the
morning announcements—and then become an administrator for her Walmart Corporation—serving
worked to create an environment place of worship, Raintree Christian a territory which included New
where students would truly be loved. Church. The next 18 years were Mexico, California, Oklahoma, and
again active ones as she served the Louisiana. He may have been born
Like many school leaders, Toza needs of a thriving church body— in Sherman, TX, but he had multiple
often found herself praying for her and responded to the needs of the opportunities to view a large part of
students, faculty, and staff as she people and the programs within our beloved Southwest.
drove to school early each weekday that body of believers. In that role,
morning. There was one specific she assisted with a program which One of Cecil’s most meaningful
point in her route where her vehicle provided a “hands up” for homeless memories involves his selection
topped an overpass, and the view adults and children. Family Promise to transport Christmas wreaths
revealed a glorious sunrise—as provided meals, gifts, and special which would mark the graves of
if foreshadowing the answer to events, as well as a safe place to fallen soldiers resting in Arlington’s
her prayers. Toza later shared this stay temporarily while working on National Cemetery. With over
experience with a talented Tulia realistic plans for their future. The 2,700 participating locations,
artist who transformed “words goal of the Family Promise Program transportation logistics were
into art.” He immense, and Cecil
presented Toza was honored each
with a beautiful time he was selected
painting to transport the
depicting the special wreaths. The
selfless morning “Wreaths Across
petitions she America” mission
daily offered is “to remember,
on behalf honor, and teach”
of students about those who
and adults at have given their
Maedgen. That lives for our country.
painting hangs in Each December, the
the Jones home wreaths are created
today. of fresh balsam and
fir and transported
Throughout her by carefully selected
30 years as a professional drivers
Texas educator, who complete
Toza served individual legs of

Lubbock Senior Link 13