Dr. Andie Morgan-Palmer during her days teaching at LHHS.
Lake Highlands High alums are mourning the death of retired history teacher Andie Morgan-Palmer. The former department chair, affectionately known as “Dr. Mo” to admiring students, also coached the swim team and led the mock trial squad. She was 73.
“(Andie) was my sister and mother, confidant and cheerleader, adventure buddy and fellow pool lounger,” said Casey Boland, who taught alongside her for years. “She was the keeper of my secrets and the enforcer of my skin care routine. She loved bubbles and rose, historical fiction and long conversations. She would drop anything to come to my aid, and her version of normal gifts of kindness were stunningly generous.
“She taught two doors down from me for almost two decades. Her DNA and mine are in the walls of LHHS. She drove her students to be the best they could be, because she loved them. I have hundreds of memories of nights discussing vertical alignment, history, and how to best help kids, Peer Helper retreats, teacher appreciation nights, and (professional development sessions). And none of that ended when she retired. She was the lifelong friend Hallmark cards are written for.
“Above all she loved Jesus, her husband, John, her daughter and grandkids, and her sisters. May she rest in everlasting peace and power.”
Dr. Ruth Ann “Andie” Rosenlund Morgan-Palmer was born in Dallas and graduated from Hillcrest High School. She earned undergraduate degrees from Austin College in English, history and physical education, and she took a master’s in education. She later received a PhD from (what is now) Texas A&M-Commerce. After working as a paralegal, she taught at LHHS from 1997 to 2016, guiding students through challenging courses such as Advanced Placement World History, U.S. History and European History. She continued tutoring well into retirement.
Morgan-Palmer is survived by her husband, John Palmer, daughter, Steffani (Sam), and numerous other family members. There will be a private memorial at Canyon Lake, Texas.
Dr. Andie Morgan-Palmer (far right) with her award-winning mock trial team in 2016-17.