Gail Alexander Greene

After graduation from Ashley, I graduated from Gaston College, where I became involved in the Gamma Beta Phi Society, was a member of the school newspaper, and worked a few hours at Belk's. Then I went to Mars Hill College and graduated with a degree in English and secondary education. My first teaching job was a Hunter Huss. While teaching there, I met my husband, Steve Greene, who was in the Air Force and we were married in 1972. After he got out of the Air Force, he went to Belmont Abbey and then obtained a teaching certificate. We then moved to Lexington, North Carolina, where he worked as a teacher and coach for many years. I taught at West Davidson High School in all levels until I retired in 2001. My husband became a principal of all levels in his career after giving up his coaching career. Along the way, I had two beautiful girls, Stefanie, a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and Ashley, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Ashley is getting ready to get married in Tortola in the British Isles on December 1. We are very excited about a winter vacation and a wedding! I do some volunteering with my church when I am in Lexington. I stay every other week in Gastonia with my mom since my dad passed away in 2011. When I have an opportunity, I try to go see my children or head to Myrtle Beach, one of my favorite places in the world.

In recollection, Ashley made a tremendous difference in my life. I made many friends who meant/mean a great deal to me. I think that my going to most of the athletic events helped prepare me for being a cheerleader sponsor at school and for staying married to a coach and principal. Also, my being a part of the Keyette Club helped prepare me to be more civic minded and to work within a group of wonderful young ladies. I know that I would not give anything for that experience. Moreover, I enjoyed being on the school literary magazine and being a member of the Pep Club. I truly believe that these organizations helped to mold me for my career and some of my life's choices.

In addition, I had great teachers who taught me a work ethic and instilled in me a love of learning that I have tried to pass on to my children and my students. There were many great mentors; however, Mrs. Culp and Mrs. Marvin made a major difference in my life. Mrs. Culp prepared me for the challenges of being an English major and Mrs. Marvin inspired me and made me want to question the status quo!

I will always remember the football game when we went to Winston Salem, and we lost by yardage! Also, I will remember breaking my ankle at a bonfire, which I think helped me get to know more people my sophomore year.
I also remember a teacher with a very unique name, which I would try not to say under any circumstance. I would actually turn red if I had to say it!