Arreader P. Guidry

Arreader P. Guidry is the oldest active educator in the state of Texas. Most of her professional career has been at Lincoln High School in Port Arthur Independent School District, Texas. She was born in Sourlake, Texas and attended private and public schools in Beaumont, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana and her Master of Science Degree from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.

She began her career coaching girls athletics, eg. basketball and track. At that time, no money was allocated for girls' sports. Using ingenuity and gentle persuasion, she soon garnered needed support for her girls. Her winning teams participated in numerous events for many years and produced stellar, athletes, and professionals in varied fields of endeavor. Mrs. Guidry's career advanced to guidance and counseling. This move broadened her positive intervention, and guidance to boys and girls. Many of whom return to extend accolades of gratitude and appreciation.

Mrs. Guidry taught on the collegiate level at Prairie View A&M University. Until recently, she taught summer school in PAISD. She is a tireless educator who works long days to avail herself to students and their needs.

She is a tenured member of Port Arthur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Her decades of service and contributions through this Christian based public service organization are noteworthy. A strong, positive role model, many young women admire and emulate her. She is a widow with no natural children, but she has been without children. She is surrogate mother to scores of young people. Some of whom yet call her "mama."

On November 13, 1997, Mrs. Guidry was inducted in the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame in Dallas, Texas. As an African American woman who made contributions to the history of sports, she joins the ranks of athletes and coaches to be permanently exhibited at the African American Museum on African American Texans.

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