Patricia Souder Henry
Mrs. Pat Souder Henry, a long time resident of the Ava area, has been instrumental in promoting a positive community spirit and a love of life-long learning.
Pat Souder Henry resided in Ava, Missouri, with her family from her birth to her freshman year of high school when they made the move to Springfield, Missouri. After graduating from Glendale High School, Pat studied education, history, sociology, English, and psychology at what is now Missouri State University receiving her Bachelor’s degree. Her experiences there included serving as President of Alpha Delta Pi and MSU’s Homecoming Parade chairperson. After graduation, Pat began her teaching career at West Plains High School teaching English I, American History, World History, Psychology, Sociology, and even physical education class. While there, Pat met and married her sweetheart, Bill Henry.
After becoming a mother, Pat elected to stay home with her children for eight years and her young family made the move back to Ava. When Pat’s youngest child began kindergarten, she once more found herself in the classroom. In 1984, she joined the staff of Ava High School where she would serve
for the next 23 years. During this time, Pat served on a variety of community and school committees including pep club sponsor, cheer team sponsor, video productions teacher, senior class sponsor, National Honor Society advisor, and Project Graduation chair.
All three of Pat’s children have graduated from Ava High School and gone on to graduate from various universities. Two of these children are educators and have served in the past the Ava school system. Two of her nine grandchildren also graduated from Ava High School.
After retirement as a classroom teacher, Pat has served on the Ava R-I School Board for several years. Currently, Pat is serving on the Douglas County Library acquisitions committee, as an active member of the Piece and Friendship Guild, and the Chapter IH P.E.O. She continues to enjoy being surrounded by her grandchildren and is an avid reader.
It is our pleasure to honor this life-time educator and member of the Ava community.
Pat Souder Henry resided in Ava, Missouri, with her family from her birth to her freshman year of high school when they made the move to Springfield, Missouri. After graduating from Glendale High School, Pat studied education, history, sociology, English, and psychology at what is now Missouri State University receiving her Bachelor’s degree. Her experiences there included serving as President of Alpha Delta Pi and MSU’s Homecoming Parade chairperson. After graduation, Pat began her teaching career at West Plains High School teaching English I, American History, World History, Psychology, Sociology, and even physical education class. While there, Pat met and married her sweetheart, Bill Henry.
After becoming a mother, Pat elected to stay home with her children for eight years and her young family made the move back to Ava. When Pat’s youngest child began kindergarten, she once more found herself in the classroom. In 1984, she joined the staff of Ava High School where she would serve
for the next 23 years. During this time, Pat served on a variety of community and school committees including pep club sponsor, cheer team sponsor, video productions teacher, senior class sponsor, National Honor Society advisor, and Project Graduation chair.
All three of Pat’s children have graduated from Ava High School and gone on to graduate from various universities. Two of these children are educators and have served in the past the Ava school system. Two of her nine grandchildren also graduated from Ava High School.
After retirement as a classroom teacher, Pat has served on the Ava R-I School Board for several years. Currently, Pat is serving on the Douglas County Library acquisitions committee, as an active member of the Piece and Friendship Guild, and the Chapter IH P.E.O. She continues to enjoy being surrounded by her grandchildren and is an avid reader.
It is our pleasure to honor this life-time educator and member of the Ava community.