2006

WEEK OF

IN DE CA TUR AGELESS HERO ECCC 52-year vet Ludlle Wood honored

By Kenneth Billings T11C N~'l\ton Record

For more than half a century East Central Community College instructor Lucille Wood has been a trailblazer and a pioneer locally, across the state and nationwide. Along the way she has racked up awards, acco– lades and state champi– onships unmatched by her peers while paving the way for women's college athletics to tiloom into what it has become today. Most recently she was recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi as an ageless hero.

Throughout her 52 year career, however, it isn't the limelight and recognition ..... that has brought her the most joy. Wood's most treasured

KENNETH BILLINGSrrHE NEWTON RECORD accomplishment isn't the Veteran ECCC instructor Lucille Wood proudly displays the letter she received from plaques and statuettes. for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi notifying her she had been selected as Mississippi's her, it is all about the stu- Ageless Hero. Wood. 75, is currently in her 52nd year of teaching at the school and IS the dents. 1 d · h "Being able to see my ongest tenure Instructor at t e community college level in the state. students on down the road part of why I have done it .Wood, a Louisville ended up coaching tennis as a success in life is my so long. I can't imagine native, began her teaching and girl's basketball. AF reward," Wood said. "Edu- ever having done any- career at Co-Lin Junior Under her tutelage, eating the students is thing else." College before landing at ECJC won four girls state Lft what it is all about. Seeing Despite her humility, East Central Junior Col- championships from 1957 your students go on and none can deny the unpar- lege in 1957 at the age of to 1985 when she left SC having them come back to alleled success of this 26. coaching. see you that is what it is small woman with a flrm She was brought on "Miss Wood has always U~ all about. And I love what handshake at the hearty board to teach physical I am doing. That is a large age of 75. education and health but S~.t: WOOD. Page llA WI------------------~====~--­ SPIRIT OF MORTON Jvu;:;nu.n"'n "' , .... ---------------- ------------------- CLARION-LEDGER IMPACT -------------- -------------------------