If this were a “word association” contest, the glaring and easy answer would be: 

Weston High School – Debbie (Hogan) Pender

As it is, this is an announcement that one of the most iconic figures in Weston High School history has made the 2023-24 school year her last, ending a spectacular teaching, coaching and administrative career that has lasted 40 years. According to information provided by the Weston High School Alumni Association, Pender leaves with the distinction as being the longest serving faculty member in Weston High School history. 

Other than when she received bachelor’s degrees in Health & P.E., and English, and her Master’s degree in English from Louisiana Tech University during the years 1978-84, her entire educational experience has been centered at Weston High School, where she graduated as Salutatorian of the Class of ’78.

It was at Louisiana Tech University, where she met her husband of four decades, Joey Pender, forming the most decorated husband and wife coaching pair in Jackson Parish history. 

Pender began her professional educational career in 1984 as the high school English teacher with other duties and responsibilities being added over time. From 2004 – 2020, Pender was the coach of the Lady Wolves Softball team, leading her squad to three LHSAA state tournament appearances (2006, 2015, 2016). In 2015, she was named Class B Coach of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA). She also served as cross country coach for several years. 

Some would say that even though being thought of as one of the all-time greats in Jackson Parish coaching history, her greatest contribution was in the classroom where she expertly prepared her students for the future for 36 years. 

As one Louisiana Tech English professor once said “He could state without reservation they always knew when they had a student in their class from Weston. They were always prepared, knew their content and were almost always a level or two ahead of their peers.”

In 2020, Mrs. Pender was named as Assistant Principal over the junior high and high school, where she continued to provide her excellent leadership for the students of Weston High up until this past spring, where she decided to “pass the torch”. 

Congratulations Debbie on such an outstanding career and thank you for your dedicated commitment to the youth of Weston High School and Jackson Parish.