Hazel Norrid Fletcher

After graduating from Methvin High School in 1936, Hazel Norrid Fletcher of Coushatta received a two-year teaching certificate from Louisiana Normal in 1938, earned a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education 1947 and a master’s in Education 1966 and completed additional graduate work from 1966-1970 at Northwestern. In 43 years as a classroom teacher, Fletcher served in schools in Allen, Red River, Bossier, DeSoto, St. Tammany and Natchitoches parishes and the Port Arthur Independent School District.

Fletcher retired from teaching in 1981 having spent most of her time devoted to early education. During her long career, she touched the lives of thousands of children teaching them to read, write, listen and establish good study habits. She has been a mentor, counselor and example to her co-workers, children and friends. At age 91, she continues to pass the love of learning to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Part of Fletcher’s ongoing commitment to education has been to establish an annual reunion for graduates of Methvin High School, one of the many small rural schools that were a large part of the education landscape in Louisiana in the early part of the 20th century. In addition to writing the history of the school and its teachers, many of whom were Normal graduates, she has been instrumental in keeping the larger community of graduates connected. She is active in her church is an avid reader.