By Robert Cassady Posted March 28, 2025
Once upon a time, Lowry High School had a thriving home economics class. Still, due to continued cutbacks on electives and the rise of students choosing college classes to graduate early, it was phased out.
English teacher and past vice-principal Tim Connors believes that one of the main reasons Lowry doesn’t have a home economics class anymore is beloved teacher Ms. Courtney Rorex’s retirement, leaving the position unfilled.
“Unfortunately, a great teacher named Courtney Rorex retired while having the Home Economics Program rocking,” said Connors. “The position remained unfilled due to a combination of factors, primarily the lack of interest from qualified candidates and a shortage of available teachers.”
Our home economics program taught the culinary aspect of home life, including cooking, baking, and nutrition; the class also taught sewing. English teacher, Ms. Marie-Jeanne Dawson, remembers the significance of the class.
“The class involved many activities from cooking and making breads, cookies, main dishes, and other classes were allowed to come in and cook as well,” said Dawson. “Students learned how to make clothes, crafts, and even prom dresses.”
The class also hosted a preschool program, creating the curriculum and teaching the children themselves one day a week for six weeks.
“The most impressive part of Home Ec was a preschool offered to community children,” said Dawson. “Students had to create the curriculum for 3-year-olds and actually teach the children.”
But sadly, when home-ec teacher Courtney Rorex retired from the position, Lowry was unable to find a new one.
“Additionally, the limited pool of teachers in this particular field further hindered the hiring process, as many potential candidates were already committed to other roles or unable to meet the specific requirements of the position,” said Connors.
