Les and Myra Gandy honored at rededication of New Gandy Gym

Stephenville High School rededicated its new gymnasium Friday night to honor Les and Myra Gandy for their long-time employment and lifetime of support to the Yellow Jacket and Honeybee athletic programs.

Les Gandy served in numerous roles for Stephenville over 36 years, including tax-assessor collector, business manager, assistant superintendent for business, school board member, and retired in 2005 as the ISD’s superintendent.

Before the ceremony, Gandy reflected on what it’s like to be moving into a new gym.

“I think I am going to miss the familiarity of the old gym,” Gandy said. “But, this is a safer and more open gym that has far better seating and it’s beautiful – we really love it.”

Did Gandy have favorite memory from the “old” gym.

“I don’t. The games were all great, and we love to be a part of all of it,” Gandy said.

Myra Gandy served as the Stephenville High School librarian from 1974 until 1999, and together the couple has become a fixture at school sporting events.

Posed with the same question about her favorite memory as her husband, Mrs. Gandy also didn’t pick a single favorite moment.

“I have enjoyed all the games we have attended, and I can’t pick out just one,” Mrs. Gandy said. “ I loved them all, boys and girls.

Athletic Director Jared Womack introduced the couple and Honeybee head coach Jason Hodges before tipoff of the girls’ game against Gatesville and asked those attending to join him in congratulating the two on their lifetime of support for the Jackets and Honeybees.

The Gandy’s were then joined by the Honeybee basketball team and SHS coaches and staff for a group photo.

Womack also gave a nod of recognition to the Huckabee Architecture Team of Daren Kerbo and Josh Cogburn, and Jordan Williams of ICI Construction to bring the new Gandy Gym project to completion.

Les Gandy was quick to point out that he felt Stephenville’s new gym would be a beacon for some of the area’s smaller schools come playoff time and hoped it would benefit the local economy.

“This is a wonderful place for our kids to play, and I think it will create more interest in Stephenville basketball, and it’s an opportunity for our local businesses too,” Gandy said. “Hopefully, we will also see more college scouts in our stands and see our local players getting scholarships to play at the next level.