One Class at a Time: Susan Lafary, Lewistown Community High School

LEWISTOWN (25News Now) - A Lewistown Community High School teacher who has spent decades guiding students in the classroom and on stage received recognition for her work in this week’s One Class at a Time.

Susan LaFary, who is in her 80s, has taught English, honors English, and dual credit classes at Lewistown Community High School and Spoon River College. Collectively, she has been an educator for decades.

“I like seeing them leave here and go out into the world and succeed. I like to hear what they’re succeeding at when they come back,” LaFary said.

She also directs the high school’s drama program, leading productions from January through March and guiding students through rehearsals.

Lafary continued teaching and directing this past year while dealing with the loss of her son-in-law.

“I’m a teacher, plain and simple; that’s where my heart is. I just think drama is a way that we express the world around us in a storytelling way, and I’m a storyteller,” said Lafary.

Her husband helps bring productions to life, but the school’s stage uses outdated equipment. The school has 12 lights for the stage.

LaFary was surprised this week with the One Class at a Time award. The grant money from the award would help improve the quality of shows and provide students with updated equipment.

“It’s a struggle every year to make sure everybody is lit up. It would give my kids, who do not like being on stage but are interested in technical aspects, particularly lighting, the opportunity to explore that realm of creativity a little bit more,” LaFary said.

Lafary’s dedication to teaching has grown, and her goal is to be the oldest teacher in the state.

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