A parade of cars and a yard full of signs greeted BISD Industrial Technology teacher Eddie Nicholson, or Mr. Nic as he was known to all his students, on Saturday morning, July 10. Eddie retired this year after 41 years of teaching at Brownfield ISD.
Eddie was surprised by the outpouring of love. “We came here from New Mexico 41 years ago, planning to only stay five years and then go back to New Mexico. Well, here we are. This community became home to us. We love Brownfield.” He stated that Jack Pinson and Clifford Niles had driven to Hagerman, New Mexico to interview him. “I figured if they were willing to come that far, I ought to give them a shot,” Eddie said.
The Brownfield Police Department, Fire Department and the City Electrical crew were just part of the long line of vehicles that honked and drove past the Nicholson’s home on Saturday. “I love the electric department guys. They are like family. They take care of me. And the police, I think Tony and I started the same year. These people are my family too,” stated Eddie.
Eddie stated that it doesn’t feel like 41 years unless he looks in the mirror. “I saw people in cars in this parade that I had them and then 20 or so years later, had their kids. It is very touching to see this sendoff. It is really special.”
He stated that he loves Brownfield ISD. “This school has been very positive about everything. We have the best School Board and the best Superintendent (Chris Smith) that we have had in years.”
Smith said about Nicholson, “Eddie Nicholson is a great man and educator. It was so humbling to be a part of the parade. But the real joy was being able to see just a small part of the influence he has had on the students at BISD. I am proud to call him my friend and wish him well in his retirement. He has made a difference in the lives of so many people in this town.”
Eddie talked about the new building for BHS that is in progress. “It was hard to help layout the new shop for the new high school knowing I was going to walk away from it, but I am proud of the new facility. It is going to be great.”
Eddie’s wife Donna had a major health scare in 2010 while teaching at Oak Grove. Eddie spoke of how this community wrapped their arms around them during that time. “When Donna got sick. She was in ICU for 21 days. The whole town responded. We had so many people taking care of us. Teachers, Administration, the whole town responded. They even helped me get internet service when she was moved to Rehab. I can’t say enough about that time.”
One of the things the Industrial Tech department has been known for is the Annual Car Show. The Car Show was put together by Eddie’s students and was a project to raise money to buy toys and bicycles for Goodfellows to give to kiddos at Christmas. Eddie said, “Over the years, we have raised thousand and thousands of dollars for Goodfellows. That makes me proud. Of course we had help from (former Superintendent) Jerry Jones and Jerry Thomas. I think we have bought around 1,000 bicycles through the years.”
Speaking of Jerry Jones, Eddie was emotional as he stated, “He was a good one. He was pretty special. We miss him.”
He stated that one year they were able to raise over $4,000 and went to Walmart in Levelland and cleared the shelves. The manager asked what they were doing, and then proceeded to give them a 10% discount on everything.
In the classroom, Eddie’s kids learned so much. They were known statewide for the projects they would bring to State Competition. “We have had nine State Championships and went to Nationals four times. Had some students earn a 7th place finish at Nationals one year. Rachel Thompson even ran for State Office.
One of his former students, who did very well in the class, Dr. Logan Hancock, was there today for the parade and had a special time with Mr. Nic. “Logan was one of the best,” said Eddie. “He and I spent lots of time together at the shop. Lots of time not even talking. He was such a hard worker and so careful with everything he did.”
Talking about projects, Eddie said they had done everything from building barbecue pits that looked like tractors to doing restoration on a helicopter that had crashed. And their woodworking projects were always phenomenal.
“We always had a good working relationship with Ag and welding. Lots of times we would just open our doors and everyone worked together. And that is how it should be on a job site. We helped students learn to work together with other departments. It was so much more than testing and scores. We taught kids to see a project through from start to finish. That is a lesson so many need today,” said Eddie.
As far as what retirement might bring. “Donna has a list about 20 pages long for me. She has projects for me all around the house. I may be looking to go back to work!”
Eddie and Donna are the parents of Jeremy and Deanna. They also have eight grandchildren, with a new one born just yesterday!
With tears in his eyes and a smile on his face, Eddie finished it all by saying, “It has been good.”
