A Legacy of Hope: Celebrating 70 Years of Magnolia Speech School

“A legacy is not what we leave for people. A legacy is what we leave in people.”

For 70 years, Magnolia Speech School has been a place where hope is found, voices are discovered, and lives are transformed. Since opening our doors in 1956, our mission has remained steadfast: to empower children with hearing loss and language disorders through specialized education and therapy that equips them for success in school, at home, and in life. 

As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the journey that has brought us here, the people who make our mission possible today, and the hope that will guide us into the future. Our anniversary theme, A Legacy of Hope, reminds us that our greatest impact is not measured by the years we’ve served but by the lives we’ve changed. 

Honoring Our Past 

Our Legacy 

Magnolia Speech School was founded on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, learn, and reach their God-given potential. Over the past seven decades, that vision has touched thousands of children and families across Mississippi. 

While educational practices and technology have evolved, our purpose has remained the same: helping children overcome communication and learning challenges with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support. 

Our legacy has been built by our visionary founder – Mrs. Elizabeth “Libba” Matthews, dedicated educators, therapists, board members, volunteers, donors, and families who believed in the power of possibility. Together, they created more than a school—they created a place where children gain confidence, families find encouragement, and hope becomes reality. 

As the saying reminds us, “A legacy is not what we leave for people. A legacy is what we leave in people.” That is the true legacy of Magnolia Speech School. 

Celebrating the Present 

Our People 

Today, that legacy continues through the remarkable people who make Magnolia Speech School what it is. 

Our teachers, teacher assistants, therapists, and staff members celebrate every milestone, knowing that each new word spoken, every page read, and every goal achieved represents a brighter future for a child. Our families are committed partners, reinforcing learning and celebrating progress every step of the way. Our donors and community supporters make it possible for us to continue providing life-changing opportunities for children. 

Most importantly, our students inspire us every day. Their resilience, determination, and joy remind us why our work matters. 

Together, we are more than a school—we are a community where children are known, encouraged, and empowered. We are proud to be Where Hope Speaks. 

Building the Future 

Our Hope 

As we celebrate 70 years, we also look ahead with excitement and purpose. 

We are committed to expanding opportunities for children, embracing innovative, evidence-based practices, and continuing to provide exceptional education and therapy for generations to come. Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their voice, develop confidence, and reach their fullest potential. 

Hope means believing that today’s challenges do not define tomorrow’s possibilities. It means seeing potential where others may see obstacles and investing in every child’s future with faith and determination. 

As we honor those who built this incredible organization, we remain committed to carrying their vision forward. The seeds planted 70 years ago continue to flourish, and with God’s guidance, Magnolia Speech School will continue transforming lives for many years to come. 

As we celebrate A Legacy of Hope, we are grateful for our past, inspired by our present, and excited about our future. Because the greatest legacy we can leave isn’t found in buildings or milestones—it is found in the children whose lives have been forever changed. 

Here’s to 70 years of hope, 70 years of service, and a future filled with endless potential.

written by: Angy Graham, Executive Director