Rebecca Payne McHargue: Tekoa teacher wraps up career where she began

First grader Rebecca Payne McHargue walked in on her first day of school in Tekoa in 1955.

That little girl went on to graduate from high school, then college, and later return to Tekoa and teach first grade in the exact same classroom.

Fifty-five years since her first day of school, McHargue is walking out on her last day of school.

“I’ve been here most of my life,” McHargue said.

The retiring Tekoa native figures she has put in 36 years as an elementary teacher or principal.

“I’ve had close to 20 second-generation students,” McHargue said.

Her last day of teaching is June 9.

In an interview...