2025 Honoree

Shirley Giles Johnson

Shirley served as an educator in her hometown for 44 years, teaching three generation of Silsbee graduates.

Mrs. Johnson lived her life wanting her “children” students to truly understand their own history as well as American History. She spent countless hours tutoring, teaching and prepping students to learn. From learning the preamble of the Gettysburg address to Thanksgiving plays and family meals to Texas tours and Washington DC Historical trips, the learning inside the classroom became life outside of the classroom. Many students have said how learning in her class helped shaped their lives. 

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A lifetime member of St. Beulah Baptist Church, wife of Glover Johnson, mother to Yolanda "Nan" Johnson, and Grandmother to Trey and Duce, Shirley worked tirelessly as a community volunteer, determined to make Silsbee, her hometown, a better place.

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Continue her legacy.

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The Silsbee Educators' Legacy is excited to honor this community champion in 2025. You can honor her too, via your donation. 

Honoring Teachers / Funding Scholarships

Each year, the Silsbee Educators’ Legacy Scholarship will honor one Silsbee educator, by granting scholarships to Silsbee High School Seniors in that educator’s name. The scholarship will be awarded to students who demonstrate a devotion to school, community, family, classmates, and an unbreakable work ethic. Students can pick up applications at the Silsbee High School Office starting in January each year. 

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Organized by former Silsbee Principal, Gaye Lokey, and several Silsbee Alumni, all who worked full or part-time during their high school careers, the Silsbee Educators’ Legacy Scholarship will assist hardworking Silsbee seniors by expanding their educational opportunities.

The organizers aim to establish an evergreen scholarship, funded by Silsbee Alumni and the Silsbee community, that assists students for generations. One founder stated, “I believe today’s recipients will support this scholarship and the community in the future. Creating a cycle of giving that reflects Silsbee’s incredible spirit.”

Silsbee Tigers - TAKE ACTION NOW

The 2024 Scholarship Campaign raised $3000, but organizers aim to triple donations in 2025. YOU can honor Shirley Johnson, help more students, and increase the scholarships based on your pledge. You can donate at The Foundation for Southeast Texas website, select Give Back, then select the

Silsbee Educators’ Legacy Scholarship.

or

Mail a check to 

the Foundation for Southeast Texas

700 North Street Beaumont, TX 77701 

Put in the memo - Silsbee Eductators' Legacy Scholarship

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Planting seeds today to support Silsbee for Generations