IHS Homecoming was a special night for a lot of people but there was one person that stood above the rest. Lorene Mauldin Bryant was among those honored in a ceremony before the football game began.

A sweet smile and robust attitude became evident on Friday night as Lorene Mauldin Bryant was introduced to the crowd at Willis Field. Mrs. Bryant was given a lovely bouquet of flowers by Superintendent Jimmie Malone, a class ring with her graduation date inscribed and honorary Homecoming Queen for the evening.

Born August 3, 1910 in the Derrs Chapel community, Lorene Mauldin Bryant turned 100 years this past summer. Along with reaching the century mark in her life, she viewed as a joyful time, Mrs. Bryant also returned to attend her 81st Homecoming at her alma mater, Italy High School, on Friday night.

As a child, Lorene attended a nearby school named McCullough School for the first nine grades and completed grades 10 and 11 at Italy. There were only 11 grades in Texas schools until 1941. Mrs. Bryant graduated in 1929 and went on with her education to become a teacher. Attending Denton Teachers College (also known as University of North Texas), she taught in a school district a few miles from Ennis known as Byrd school district in 1934-1935. She married Charles Audrey Bryant in 1935 and moved to Fort Worth where they raised 3 children. Now, Mrs. Bryant resides in Arlington with her daughter, Barbara Salser. Lorene’s sisters are Jane Poe, Annice Elliott and Faye Chapman.

The Homecoming crowd was so delighted Mrs. Bryant was in attendance, they gave her a standing ovation. Lorene waved at the crowd with her bouquet in return. Coach Larry Mayberry picked her up and carried her to her “chariot”. Lorene was not only a queen Friday night, she was Cinderella. Happy Homecoming, Lorene.

Comment by Jane – _received September 23, 2010 @ 9:27pm

Wow, I was touched reading this story of Lorene’s history and ties to Italy. This was a wonderful recognition.