Sunday, August 29, 2021

In the late summer of 1974 a young woman’s life ended tragically. Susan Lucas, the 3rd grade teacher at
St. Austin School, died in a drowning accident off the coast of Colombia.

Here is how her colleague, Carol Hovland, remembered Susan.

“I knew I would have a good year when I met Susan. She was brimming with life and enthusiasm. She cared about ideas and people. She liked to discuss everything – poetry, learning to read, farming, movies, canning and magic.

She always had new ideas. ‘Let’s set up a store in the classroom to learn math. Let’s call ourselves the super class. Let’s talk about violence and why it exists.’

Susan designed the award given to each child at the end of the year. She organized a talent show for Father Edward Pietrucha, CSP, [then pastor] on the last day of school.

She got an architecture class at The University of Texas to improve the design of the St. Austin’s playground as a class project. She initiated plans for a resource center and with her co-teacher, Barbara Pike Pratz, painted and papered the stage to make it a happy place where children would want to come for help in learning.”

A plaque with Susan’s name was attached to the entrance of the playground where it stood for many years as a testament to a dedicated and loving teacher.

Originally published in the Texas Catholic Herald, October 4, 1974.

Photo of waters off Colombia credit - Colombia Travel Blog