Journal Staff Report
Wayne Orr may be retiring, but the indelible mark he has left on his students over the years will last a lifetime.
Saturday evening, Eastside Missionary Baptist Church and members of the local community, opened their doors and hearts to honor Orr for his 52 years of teaching and administration.
According to Minden Mayor Terry Gardner, Orr spent 48 of his 52 years calling Glenbrook School “home.”
Among the roles fulfilled by Orr were dual enrollment English teacher and “honors” English teacher for the high school, sponsor of the Parfleche yearbook and National Honor Society. In addition he coached the successful Apache tennis teams and, at times, coached the varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball teams.
Originally from Oak Grove in West Carroll Parish, Orr obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and plus-30 from Louisiana Tech University. He served four years in the United States Air Force and is a Vietnam Veteran. Orr received the Air Force Commendation Medal and a citation from the South Vietnamese government for his role in the National Defense Language Institute.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force in August 1973, Orr and his wife, the former Judy Ann Akin of Sibley, moved to Minden where he established himself as teacher, coach and administrator.
Orr is a member of the Glenbrook School Hall of Fame, First Baptist Church, United States Tennis Association and the National English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta.
Former and present students in Orr’s classes give him high praise and appreciation for his presentation methods and knowledge of subject matter.
Being a challenge for them, his timely advice and continual encouragement were elements of gratitude offered while students were enrolled … and especially while they were in college.
In his “spare” time, Orr managed the Minden Tennis & Aquatic Club for many years and taught tennis lessons.
Orr is known for issuing that impelling charge to “strive for that which is beyond your reach.”
Gardner issued a proclamation in celebration of Orr, declaring August 14, 2021 a day to celebrate Mr. Philip Wayne Orr. He urged all citizens to wish him much happiness in the years to come.
Photo: Minden Mayor Terry Gardner, left, presents a proclamation of celebration to retiring educator Wayne Orr
