Mary Alice Skaggs’ 99th birthday earlier this year drew celebratory wishes from far and wide, including messages from local and state dignitaries, former students and fellow educators. A flag flew over the Capitol in her honor. The occasion was feted in a newspaper social column where Mrs. Skaggs was aptly described as a “Plano teaching legend.”

Her profound influence has permeated the lives of generations of students and trickled through their families to their children and grandchildren. She is a born teacher — of invaluable life skills and qualities as well as academic subjects.

Mrs. Skaggs was born in Celina, grew up in Dallas and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Austin College in Sherman. She taught high school English, journalism and economics for a total of 31 years in Plano, where she was the first teacher to hold a master’s degree.

Literature came alive in Mrs. Skaggs’ classroom. She instilled a love of learning, encouraged even the least motivated students, inspired future teachers and expressed confidence in each and every young person in her charge. Her expectations are still being rewarded with their achievements and lifelong reverence.

“Mrs. Skaggs was always a lady who received respect, not because she demanded it, but because she earned it,” says one of her former students.

Another notes: “She taught me that it is not where you come from, but where you want to go that is important.”

She and her late husband had no children of their own, but the dedicated teacher devoted her life to her students both in and out of the classroom. Always the epitome of grace and refinement, she dressed with stylish elegance daily and became an exceptional role model as sponsor of the Junior Thursday Study Club, a girls’ literary and leadership organization that she led for 50 years. She also found time to develop and oversee production of the Planoian high school yearbook for 37 years.

Among her many honors was the 1958 Teacher of the Year award from the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs. She received a career achievement award from the Plano Business and Professional Women’s Club in 1968 and a special award of merit for service to Plano citizens from the Plano Chamber in 1984. A Plano elementary school was named in her honor in 1996, and four years later she was recognized as one of Plano Independent School District’s “100 Heroes.” Plans are already under way for a festive 100th birthday celebration on April 22, 2008 honoring this Plano teaching legend.