Mildred Rickard Landis' love of children and her dedication to education have enriched the lives of thousands of young people-both in Alief and throughout the nation- during her 57 year career as a teacher.

Enoch and Mary Ann Rickard's only child, Mildred, was born May 23, 1913. in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, Mildred entered Slippery Rock State Normal School (now Slippery Rock University), from which she earned her teaching certificate in 1933. Her career as an educator and role model for young children began  that fall, in a one room county school in Pennsylvania. She later earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Penn State in 1941, and her M. Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh.

in 1941, Mildred Rickard married Bruce Landis Jr. and their lives together took them to communities in seven states. At each stop, she continued to teach young children.

In 1972, the Landis' were transferred to Houston, and Mildred began her 9 year career with the Alief Independent School District. That fall, she began teaching first-graders at Chambers Elementary.

Students fellow faculty and members of the Alief community were quick to recognize Ms. Landis' exceptional skills and dedication. One of her many accomplishments was being named Alief ISD Teacher of the Year 1975.

Ms. Landis continued to provide Chambers Elementary students with her "gift of giving" until her retirement in 1983. However, her love of teaching did not stop then; in fact, she immediately began working as a substitute teacher for Alief ISD.

The administration and Board of Trustees of the Alief Independent School District are proud to name the district's 16th elementary school after Ms. Mildred Rickard Landis. Her love of children and her ability to inspire them will forever be remembered.