Esther Buckley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Esther Gonzalez-Arroyo Buckley
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the United States Commission on Civil Rights | |
| In office December 1983 – December 1992 |
|
| Succeeded by | Constance Horner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 29, 1948 Laredo, Webb County, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 2013 (aged 64) Webb County, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Elmer Buckley ( ? - 2009, his death) |
| Children | 7 |
| Parents | Hector and Amalia Gonzalez-Arroyo, Sr. |
| Alma mater | University of Texas at Austin Texas A&M International University |
| Occupation | Educator |
Esther Gonzalez-Arroyo Buckley (March 29, 1948 – February 11, 2013) was an important educator from Laredo, Texas, USA. From 1983 to 1992, she was one of eight members of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. This group works to protect the rights of all people in the U.S. She was chosen for this role by U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Esther Buckley was born in Laredo, Texas. Her parents were Hector Gonzalez-Arroyo, Sr., and Amalia Margarita Ayala. She was a very bright student. She finished high school at Martin High School in Laredo when she was only fifteen years old. She graduated in 1963, three years earlier than most students her age.
After high school, she went to Laredo Community College. Then, she studied biology and mathematics at the University of Texas in Austin. Later in her life, she was working on a higher degree in education from Texas A&M University.
A Dedicated Educator
Esther Buckley spent forty-two years working as a teacher. She received many awards for her work. She was a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators. This group supports teachers in Texas.
In 1989, she was named the "Top Texas High School Physics Teacher." This award came from the American Physical Society. In 2010, she was a finalist for the "Best in Texas Education" award. She also received the "One Class at a Time" award.
At the time of her passing, she was teaching science at the Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Center. This center is part of her old high school, Martin High School.
Public Service and Civil Rights
Esther Buckley was active in politics. She was the leader of the Republican Party in her home area, Webb County. She was also appointed to state groups by Texas Governor Bill Clements.
President Reagan noticed her work and appointed her to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. This commission was created to investigate and advise on civil rights issues. While on the commission, she generally agreed with President Reagan's ideas. She believed in fair elections and equal opportunities for everyone.
She served under three different chairmen on the commission. These included Clarence M. Pendleton, Jr., William B. Allen, and Arthur Fletcher. During her time, President Reagan tried to remove another commissioner, Mary Frances Berry. Berry argued that the commission should be independent from the president. She stayed on the commission and later became its chairman.
In December 1992, Esther Buckley's time on the commission ended. President George H. W. Bush appointed Constance Horner to take her place. The Commission on Civil Rights has eight members. Four are chosen by the President. Two are chosen by the United States House of Representatives. The other two are chosen by the U.S. Senate.
Community Involvement
Esther Buckley was also very involved in her local community. In 1995, Laredo Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr., asked her to be a founding member of the Laredo Commission for Women.
She also helped create Texas A&M International University. This university now offers four-year degrees. She earned her master's degree from this school in 1975. She also served on the board of her local Battered Women's Shelter.
Her husband, Elmer Buckley, was also involved in public service. He worked for the mayor of Laredo and helped with economic development in South Texas. He was also active in Republican political campaigns.
Esther Buckley was known for her strong belief in fair elections. She worked hard to make sure every vote was counted correctly. A lawyer named Martha Cigarro de Llano said that Esther Buckley was involved in elections for decades. She worked to make sure that "every vote mattered" and was counted in a "transparent manner." She was seen as a "trailblazer" and a "transformational figure" in her community.
Passing and Legacy
Esther Buckley passed away on February 11, 2013, in a car accident. She was a passenger in a minivan driven by her son, James Joseph Buckley. They were returning from Austin, where they had been talking to state lawmakers. They were asking for more funding for schools.
Her services were held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Laredo. She was cremated, like her husband who passed away earlier. She was survived by her seven children and her brother.
Esther Buckley always saw herself as a teacher. She once said, "From my earliest memories as a child, I have always been a teacher." She believed her purpose was to teach with passion.
After her passing, Texas A&M International University created a special scholarship in her name. This scholarship helps other students get their higher education. The university president, Ray Keck, said it was a great way to honor "a remarkable educator."
In 2014, Esther Buckley was honored by Martin High School. She was included in their "Tiger Legends" group. The Association of Texas Professional Educators also honored her with a special resolution.
