Emma Lou Atherly

is honored with a Brick from Doug Atherly and Lura Jo Atherly.

"All children can learn." This one phrase represents a lifetime of work and commitment on the part of our mother, Emma Lou Douglass Atherly.

Emma Lou was born on a farm outside of Burlington, KS. She is the middle child of the late Otis and Pauline Douglass. Mother learned independence at an early age, having to rent rooms in town during high school due to a lack of busing, and then attending Kansas State University.

During her college years, mom developed a mild case of polio. This disease developed in her the first-hand experience of a person with a disability. She majored in secondary education with an emphasis in science and physical education. She believes that "wellness" is something from which all people benefit, not just athletes. While at Kansas State, she met our father, Mark William Atherly. After mom and dad graduated, our parents married, and she began teaching at Robinson Middle School in Wichita.

There are many things Mother has taught us, but the greatest lesson was the strength and love of family. Mother stayed home with us when we were little. Each day we were read to, played with and so loved. As young children we knew that we were the center of her world. No matter what the event or the interest of ours, she was there. Mom was there to help sponsor Junior Golf at Hidden Lakes Golf Course, Junior Football in Derby, Campfire Girls, and the swim team. She was a trooper for riding elephants at the Oklahoma City Zoo, roller skating, and cooking countless meal for anywhere from 4-8 people on a moments notice.

Our friends were always welcome at our home. Mother always made being at our house more fun than any other (unsupervised) place. Our mother provided us with the security to try new things, be ourselves and follow our dreams. As a result, when we, as young adults, have faced challenges in the "grown up" world, we have never faced them alone. Her never ending faith in us has given us the strength to make tough choices and the belief that we would succeed.

Mom went back to work when we were in school. First as a substitute teacher, then as a Special Education teacher at Curtis Middle School. She managed to successfully balance a career, going back to school at Wichita State to receive her masters degree in Special Education, and her family. Mother taught a special group of young people that many felt were lost and unteachable, she taught the Behavior Disordered students. These young people were quite a challenge, and needed someone like mom. She continued working in this area as a teaching specialist, and an Area II coordinator where she broadened her mission to ensure that children of all exceptionalities could learn and were given an opportunity to learn. Finally, mom was a Special Education Coordinator for the Wichita district. She has served on countless committees and councils on behalf of children.

Mom has worked hard to provide service for many children, not just those with behavior needs. Over the years, we have heard her speak with great affection and admiration of those teachers and administrators who work with "her kids." The services provided to exceptional children in our district fill her heart with pride, and with the hope that she might have helped play a part in the education of these children. She has been committed to children, to teachers, and to administrators with one goal to educate all.

We have dedicated this brick to Mother in honor of her retirement from the Wichita Public Schools with over 30 years of service. Thank you for all you have done for children, yours and others. We are so proud that you are our mom. Thank you for all the sacrifices of money, emotions, energy and time. You have been a busy lady!

"And what is as important as knowledge?" asked the mind.
"Caring and seeing with the heart," answered the soul. - Flavia

We know your future is bright, you have many more gifts to share. We love you so very much.

Submitted by Lura Jo Atherly, teacher, Robinson Middle School and Doug Atherly, assistant golf professional, Willowbend.

September 16, 1998