Cary and Jean Hall

Learning Center Managers

We met during our junior year at East Texas State University, Commerce, TX. We were attracted to each other from the first, and have remained so through the years. Jean majored in Art and Home Economics, with the intention of becoming an interior decorator. Cary majored in Industrial Education planning on teaching Shop classes. Upon graduation in 1958, we were married, and moved to San Antonio where Cary had a teaching job in the San Antonio ISD. Jean was offered a job teaching elementary school the same year. She taught for 8 years at Highland Hills Elementary. She resigned to have the first of our two daughters, Jennifer. Cary taught at Whittier Middle School for 13 years and Jefferson High for 12 years. During this period our second daughter Shannon was born. Jean used these years to prepare both daughters for school. She returned to teaching after both daughters entered public school. Jean taught at Dellview Elementary, Wilshire Elementary, and finally at Montgomery Elementary where she taught fifth grade. Four years prior to retirement, Jean assumed the duties of school librarian. She changed the library from a “stand alone” system, to a computerized one connected to the entire school district. After six years employed in industry, Cary returned to teaching at MacArthur High School, teaching woodworking. Seven years later Cary opened a computer lab at Mac, where he taught until retirement. In addition to teaching he also managed the school computer network utilized by 2500+ students and 250 teachers during his last year. Jean taught for 32 years and Cary for 38.

After retiring we walked for exercise everyday at Crossroads Mall. Passing the APCO facilities, we picked up free magazines, and got interested in the organization. Cliff and Emma Overfelt persuaded us to join. When Ralph Cherry moved to Waco, Joe Brazell persuaded us to manage the Learning Center.

In addition to being co-manager of the Learning Center, Jean is Librarian for APCO, keeping the Media Center current. She also assists in the Excel Class, fills in at the counter, and enjoys making signs and posters for the Learning Center.

Cary is a member of the Learning Center Support staff, the “Dr. is In”, assists the Lab Techs, fills in at the counter, and is co-manager of the Learning Center.