We Are All Family
Siple Wishes She Could Have Done More
09/15/2017
 Goose Creek Memorial High School teacher and coach Lauren Siple is in her element when she has an opportunity to help others. She spent last week rescuing families, working on houses, taking co-workers in her truck to find rental cars in Lufkin as well as donating time and supplies at shelters.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Siple
Goose Creek Memorial High School teacher and coach Lauren Siple is in her element when she has an opportunity to help others. She spent last week rescuing families, working on houses, taking co-workers in her truck to find rental cars in Lufkin as well as donating time and supplies at shelters.
 
Siple Wishes She Could Have Done More 
We are all family with gccisd logo and state of texas

By: Susan Passmore

Lauren Siple’s strong work ethic is no surprise to anyone. A teacher and coach at Goose Creek Memorial High School, her former teachers at Cedar Bayou Junior School and Ross S. Sterling High School remember her as a hard worker who was always willing to help others.

 When people needed help during the flooding, Siple was in her element. Monday, she took snacks and groceries to Eagle Heights Church, which was set up as a shelter. Tuesday, she went out on a boat with neighbors and helped rescue two families. After a long day of making sure people were safe, Siple headed off to help at the shelter at Mercy Gate Church in Mont Belvieu. There, she assisted people in signing up for FEMA and fed more than 300. 

 Wednesday, Siple returned to Mercy Gate to organize clothes and continue helping people sign up for  FEMA. Not allowing herself a break, Thursday she was up and running again, helping with clothing at Mercy Gate Church and chauffeuring Susan Jackson, GCM principal and teachers Kami Johnston, Leslie Garcia and Norma Picacio-Jones to Lufkin in her truck to pick up rental cars. The trip took hours, since some of the roads were still flooded. Friday, Siple spent the day helping the Jacksons take out floors and power wash the mud from the house. 

 “She was phenomenal,” said Jackson. “We would not have made it without support from Lauren and so many others.”

 Saturday, Siple volunteered her time at co-worker Deborah Turner’s house, taking her belongings out of the house to begin the demolition process.

 “I wish I could do more. I know there is so much need in our community, but so many people are working hard to help others,” Siple said.

 Volleyball practice has started up again and school will soon begin, so Siple will have to slow down a little with her volunteering, but she has helped many people who will always be grateful. When anyone refers to her as a hero, she modestly avoids the compliment.

“I’ve got to be honest with you, if I’m a hero there are so many people out there with me. Our whole town is a hero,” said Siple.