Bonham, TX – In 1959, Speaker Sam Rayburn told Barbara Gore we needed good teachers in Texas more than we needed girl Marines. She told him she hoped to be both. In the years since, Barbara has fulfilled her promise and much more, devoting her life to serving her community, and especially to serving its children. In recognition of her service, the Friends of Sam Rayburn awarded her the 2012 H.G. Dulaney Public Service Award.
The banquet was held at the Bonham Golf Club, Saturday, October 20, 2012. The evening was a celebration of Gore’s commitment to the community and throughout the evening, many shared their memories of working alongside her.
Emily Porter explained, “If you know Barbara, then you know she loves three things: history, children and sports.”
Gore’s work in the community shows the truth in this statement. Over the years, she has volunteered at the Fannin County Museum of History and Fort Inglish, and the Fannin County Historical Commission. In addition, Gore is involved in the after school mentoring program and the Family Life Center and serves as “book chairman” for the Retired Teachers, finding low cost books for donation to community schools.
During the evening, Friends of Sam Rayburn President Allen Sanderson acknowledged the support the Friends received from local businesses through sponsorships. The evening’s sponsors included Fannin Bank, Fannin County Democratic Party, Cole Title, Gary and JoAnne Duncan, American Bank of Texas, Honorable Lauri Blake, Fannin County Republic Party, and The Dolph Brisoce Center for American History University of Texas at Austin.
Proceeds from the banquet help fund activities at the Sam Rayburn Library Museum and the Sam Rayburn House Museum, as well as a newly established scholarship at Texas A&M-Commerce for students pursuing careers in public service. Anne Ruppert, Curator of the Sam Rayburn House Museum, and Denise Mayorga, Assistant Director, Sam Rayburn Library Museum reported on the various museum programs supported by the Friends over the past year.
The program concluded with the presentation of the award to Barbara Gore by Allen Sanderson, who briefly outlined Gore’s early life and service in military, as well as her years spent teaching in the Iraan-Sheffield district before retiring home to Bonham.
As Sanderson presented the award to her, Barbara summed up the honor by saying, “Thank you. Tonight has been incredibly fun and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
For more information on the Friends of Sam Rayburn or the Rayburn museums, contact the Sam Rayburn Library Museum, 903-583-2455.
