The Rotary Club of Littlefield hosted an Administrative Professionals’ Day luncheon on April 23 and named Mary Jane Rangel the administrator of the year.
The event initiated with words from keynote speaker Taylor Ernst, a former Littlefield resident and the curator for Lubbock’s Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA) exhibitions.
Ernst honored her roots in Littlefield, noting the significance of giving back to the community and fostering room for growth.
Throughout the luncheon, this sentiment remained consistent.
Receiving recognition for her selfless nature and commitment to helping others in the county, Mary Jane Rangel received the Administrator of the Year award ahead of her retirement.
Recounting her experiences, Rangel became emotional.
Before her time as the records clerk for the Lamb County Special Education Co-Op, Rangel grew up and went to school in Littlefield.
Then, a year after Rangel graduated, she started working for the Littlefield Independent School District for the next 30 years.
She remained in Littlefield ever since.
“Family made me stay,” Rangel said. “My kids, they’ve all graduated from here; my grandkids all go to school here – it’s a good community to raise your kids in.”
Moreover, Rangel said there is no other community like Littlefield.
“I couldn’t have stayed for any better reason,” Rangel said. “(The community) has been so giving and very supportive. If you ever need anything, this is the place to be.”
Ahead of her retirement, Rangel said she looks forward to spending time with her six grandchildren, ages ranging from 15 to seven months old, and visiting Lubbock to go shopping and watch movies the most.
Rangel celebrated her award alongside family members and colleagues.