As we all celebrated our nation’s independence earlier this month, so too did we decide to celebrate a very special leader in our community with the latest edition of our “Honorable Mention” newsletter!
This newsletter (usually) features awesome brands and their leaders – it is unique, as we take the time to interview these business owners and share their vision with the world. This one, however, is especially unique as we shine the spotlight on a truly amazing educator that was a mentor to our company President.
We proudly introduce you to “Coach” Arthur Louis; a football coach, teacher, leader, and mentor that happily devoted over 40 years of his life to serving our youth in the education industry. Coach Louis has given so, so much to our community, and we felt that it was time to give back by honoring his living legacy. Here’s to you, Coach!
Text-Only Version
We were given the honor to sit down with “Coach” Arthur Louis, a beloved figure in the Golden Triangle community. Aerias Hurd, President of Honored Abilities, first met Coach Louis as his sophomore-year History teacher, but Louis’s impact has extended far beyond the classroom, continuing to shape lives across the region and beyond. Coach Louis retired after more than 40 years in education, most notably as a head football coach. His passion for education began during his senior year of high school. Shout out to the Class of ’77! “I have always loved the sport of football and loved coaching after my high school and collegiate years were over as a player,” Louis said.
When asked what sets him apart as an educator, Coach Louis responded with heartfelt honesty: “What made and makes me different is that I genuinely love the kids that I taught and coached throughout my career; especially the tough, misguided, and misunderstood kids on the field as well as in the classroom – I was one of them in many cases. I was ‘kicked’ out of the house going into my 9th grade year in school! I simply was doing too much; my mother was tired of dealing with me so my uncle, Royal Thomas, took me in and he was an amazing role model for me. I was the seventh mouth to feed in his home. I grew up with his son (my cousin) and we were more like brothers than cousins. We both signed letters of intent to play football on full scholarships at Rice University; I was the first black quarterback they signed and he was an All-State defensive back! I later de-committed and signed with Sam Houston State University. I actually understand many of the ‘challenging’ students and athletes that I’ve taught and coached throughout my career. Lastly, my favorite saying to all of my athletes and students is, ‘If not you, then who? And if not now, then when?’”
Wow…what a legacy!
Today, Coach Louis resides in Beaumont, Texas, where he remains actively involved in his church, civic efforts, and community outreach. He continues to pursue his mission of making a difference. Whether you know him as a coach, teacher, classmate, or simply by reputation, “Coach” Arthur Louis stands as a leader, mentor, educator, and unwavering pillar of the community.
When asked what drives him, Coach Louis credits his faith:
“Luke 12:48 says: ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ I can’t stop giving… helping… leading… loving… and encouraging.”