Tonight, Lubbock Lodge No.1392 had the pleasure of recognizing two very special educators: Dr. Erin Castle and Ms. Cassandra Martinez.
Freemasonry has been active in Lubbock since 1900, and we now have five different masonic lodges within the city itself as well as the Scottish and York Rite Bodies. We had brothers from several lodges present tonight.
The connection between Freemasonry and public education in Lubbock goes back to the pioneering members of the city itself. B.O. McWorther, Smyle Wilson, Roscoe Wilson, J.T. Hutchinson, and Frank Weelock were Masons in Lubbock. All of whom, had schools dedicated in their name.
Area Masons actually held large-scale meetings within the Lubbock High auditorium not long after it opened in 1932, as it was the largest meeting room in town.
The Lamar Award of Excellence for personal Achievement was established in 1988 by the Grand Lodge of Texas. It is awarded either to students or educators in recognition of outstanding personal achievements in overcoming hardships and personal difficulties, or those who accept the challenge to excel in making our communities, state, and nation stronger and better places to live through education.
That is why we were pleased to recognize Dr. Erin Castle for the Lamar Award.
Dr. Castle has a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Non-fiction Writing from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Master’s Degree in English Literature and Non-fiction Writing from Texas Tech University, and a Doctorate of Education in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University.
She currently serves as the Lubbock Exemplary Academic Program Coordinator for Lubbock High School, supporting staff, and advising students as they pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program or the AP Capstone Diploma Program.
Prior to fulfilling this role, she taught English for ten years and served as the AP Lead English teacher for Lubbock ISD, planning collaboration for AP and Pre-AP teachers district-wide, and mentoring new teachers in those programs.
Even in her administrative role, Dr. Castle remains active in the classroom through coaching Literature, Art, Speech, Interview, and Essay for Lubbock High’s Academic Decathlon and Octathlon teams.
Dr. Castle has compassion and zeal for education. She understands that the world’s needs far exceed just one person’s ability to meet them; yet she has found a way to channel that energy for good works through education, seeking to increase access and equity in academic spaces for students from all walks of life through collaboration, authenticity, reflection, and community engagement.
Lubbock Lodge 1392 also recognizes and supports first-year or early-career teachers. We know the burdens carried by teachers can weigh heavy on all fronts. Their eagerness to serve is often characterized by selfless sacrifices of time, mind, and money.
This year we proudly recognize Ms. Cassandra Martinez. Ms. Martinez is a graduate of Texas Tech University. She is currently teaching World and US History as well as coaching volleyball.
Ms. Martinez subscribes to the philosophy that teaching is a process of learning from her students, colleagues, parents, and the community around her. She recognizes that this is a lifelong process where she will learn new strategies, new ideas, and new philosophies. Over time, her thoughts and ideas in the classroom may change and that’s okay. That just means that she continues to grow and learn from those around her.
Lubbock ISD is in good hands and should be proud to have these educators as a part of their ISD.
Dr. Castle was presented with the Lamar Award for Excellence and a check for $500.00. Ms. Martinez was presented an award for Scholastic Achievement and a check for $1,000.00.
The foundation and support of a community, like we had tonight, is what allows it to thrive. Please feel free to reach out to us if you know of a student or teacher that deserves support or recognition.
