Pat Lemmon always had a keen sense of responsibility for helping others. To her, it wasn’t a matter of choice—it was something every person is called to do.

As an accomplished educator, Pat has never shied away from taking on big things. Pat accepted a job at age 17 to teach 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 8th graders in one room at a rural school just outside of her hometown of Oxford. It was here that she began to forge lifelong relationships with students, many of whom corresponded with her until she passed away in December 2016.

Our local community knew her best as Ms. Lemmon, principal of Roosevelt School, but her journey as an educator took her to many classrooms and places—including Yellowstone National Park for several summers.

Her former students are grateful that she dedicated her life to preparing them for life’s challenges. By creating a legacy fund at Hutchinson Community Foundation, her commitment will endure with scholarships for young women studying education at Emporia State University, as well as gifts to Grace Episcopal Church and Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County.