Speak Up: For 50 years, Smyrna teacher got it ‘Wright,’ Round 3

Barbara Wright is retiring after a half-century of teaching, deciding to “hang up my apron, as they say.” The 74-year-old Smyrna native taught home economics from 1972-73 at Caesar Rodney High School and family/consumer sciences in the Smyrna School District from 1973-2023, touching the lives of an estimated 17,000 students.

Her career longevity is clearly a family tradition — Ms. Wright’s father, Lycurgus, was a teacher for more than three decades, while her sister, Cheritta Marvel, a kindergarten teacher in the Colonial School District, continues to instruct after 51 years. Another sister, Veronica Haman, retired from the Christina School District following 30 years. And an aunt and uncle taught for 40 and 36 years, respectively.

• Mrs. Wright never put up with foolishness and always had time to say hello and talk to current and former students. The district is definitely gonna miss her. Happy retirement! — Larry Thompson
• Congratulations, Barbara Wright. You are an awesome teacher. — Betty Bowdle
• Congratulations, Mrs. Wright! I’m proud to say you were first a mentor while I was in college and then a colleague, as we both taught home ec and family/consumer sciences! — Lindsay Baker
• Congratulations and thank you for helping the children. — Edith Holmes
• Thank you for your service, Mrs. Wright. — Alfred Moor
• She was my home ec teacher at John Bassett Moore Intermediate School! I remember some of the antics my classmates had gotten into in her class, like one girl had a sewing machine needle go through her finger and had to go to the emergency room. And, to this day, I still use some of those basic handstitches we were taught. Mrs. Wright, you deserve your well-earned retirement! — Sharron Duong
• She is a true one in a million! There will never be another like her! — Vetra Evans
• Wow. You are still teaching, Barbara. — Marlene Newton
• Our Delaware legislators: I would hope we are planning to recognize this young lady for all she has done and all she has been through as an educator in the state of Delaware. Recognition from the state is due! — Gwendolyn Lane
• People in education often talk about “legacy” in terms of names on buildings, rooms and walls. Mrs. Wright’s “legacy” is and will remain all of the impact she has had on thousands of students, staff and families for decades. Mrs. Wright is the “fabric” that is woven into the tapestry of the Smyrna community. — Jim Mark

• What a great lady! I know you are so blessed by many kids that came through your class.