La Porte High School graduate Margaret Anderson-Eddy and longtime former staff members Esther Clamon and Pinkie Ned have been named as the 2025 La Porte ISD Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Staff, respectively, following unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees on Aug. 19.

The honorees will be inducted on Sept. 26 at the Homecoming football game between La Porte and Friendswood at Bulldog Stadium.

Honorees are nominated at large and chosen by a committee of community and district volunteers who submit their selections to the Board of Trustees for approval.

Distinguished Alumni

Margaret Anderson-Eddy

Margaret “Maggie” Anderson-Eddy, a third-generation La Portian, is the passionate force behind Around La Porte Community Newspaper and a lifelong champion of the La Porte community. Known for her tireless volunteerism and deep-rooted love for her hometown, Maggie has dedicated decades to uplifting La Porte ISD and organizing events that strengthen local pride – from disaster relief efforts to spirited support of the La Porte Bulldogs. Her grassroots leadership helped preserve Main Street’s highway access, initiated the iconic Adopt-a-Dog football support program, and led countless school- and city-related campaigns, including securing the Bulldog emblem on the Main Street water tower. As editor, activist, and advocate, Maggie has documented and driven positive change, always working behind the scenes to ensure La Porte thrives.

Distinguished Staff

Esther Clamon

Although Esther Clamon is no longer with us, her legacy as a pioneer of girls' athletics in La Porte continues to inspire generations. A dedicated educator and coach, she began her career at La Porte High School in 1948 and spent 36 years shaping the lives of young women through sports, eventually becoming La Porte ISD’s first Girls’ Athletic Director. With degrees from Sam Houston State and the University of Houston, Esther championed the introduction of competitive girls' basketball and volleyball programs in the 1950s and 60s, organized the Girls’ “A” Club to promote athletics from junior high through high school, and played a key role in reinstating competitive sports for girls in the 1980s. Known for her unwavering support, integrity, and belief in the value of athletics to build character, self-esteem, and community, her impact was recognized when La Porte declared October 22, 2006, “Esther Clamon Day.” Esther’s contributions laid the foundation for the vibrant girls’ athletic programs La Porte enjoys today, making her a true trailblazer and deserving member of the Hall of Honor.

Pinkie Ned

Pinkie Ned has devoted over 47 years of her life to La Porte ISD, leaving an extraordinary legacy as both an educator and mentor. Beginning her teaching career at College Park Elementary in 1975, Pinkie specialized in English but also taught Choir, Science, and History, always with a focus on making learning engaging and meaningful. Known for her creativity—like using music to enhance spelling retention—and her consistently exemplary student test scores, she quickly became a favorite among students and colleagues alike. Her impact spans generations, with many former students proudly bringing their own children into her classroom. Recognized multiple times as Campus Teacher of the Year and ultimately named District Teacher of the Year, Pinkie continued to serve the district after retiring in 2013 by mentoring first-year teachers, many of whom have gone on to win awards themselves. Her influence is so deeply felt in the La Porte community that her legacy is honored with portraits in both College Park and the district’s administration building. Pinkie Ned’s unwavering dedication, innovative teaching methods, and lifelong commitment to student and teacher success make her a truly distinguished alumna.
 

-30-