Doretha Hibler Glymph

Born in Verdun, France to Robert L. and Barbara D. Hibler, Doretha Hibler Glymph is married to Michael Glymph, Sr., and they are loving parents to Lauwana L. Glymph, and Michael Glymph, Jr.  

Due to her father being in the Army, a portion of the formative years of Doretha’s education were spent in several locations such as: Highland Falls, New York, Aberdeen, Maryland, and Manheim, Germany. However, when the family moved to Columbia, SC from 1969-1970 Doretha was blessed to be able to spend the latter part of 2nd grade, and entire 3rd grade at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School. At that time, the school only went to the third grade. Her teachers, Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Sulton, respectively, were very caring, nurturing and made learning fun. “I gained a love for words/spelling at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, which attributed to me becoming a straight A speller, avid reader and writer.” According to Mrs. Glymph, the solid educational foundation received during the short stint at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School assisted with providing her with the tools/skills necessary to not only excel academically but influence the trajectory of her life and professional career as well. After St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, her 4th-5th grade years were spent at St. Peter’s Catholic School. She also attended E.L. Wright Middle School in 6th-7th grades, Dent Junior High in 8th-9th grades, and Spring Valley High School in 10th-12th grades, where she graduated a year early.

“Due to my experiences at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, there was no doubt in my mind where my children would receive their early education. Lauwana attended St. Martin de Porres Catholic School from Pre-3-2nd grade and 5th grade, and Michael attended from Pre-3 6th grade. I am confident that these formative years also shaped my children in to being the strong, hard-working, and caring individuals they are today.”

Mrs. Glymph received a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Columbia College and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of SC. “After graduating from Columbia College, I wanted to give back to the institutions that deeply impacted my life early on. At St. Martin de Porres Catholic School I had the pleasure of forming an afterschool tutoring/reading program through an AKA Sorority initiative aimed at increasing reading scores for students needing additional assistance. This experience was one I will never forget. Seeing the progress the children made from the pre-test to post -test was gratifying and emotional. I also had the privilege to plan, facilitate, and coordinate a mock voter’s registration initiative for the students at the school during a major presidential election period. Additionally, for two (2) years, I was blessed with the opportunity to teach 3rd grade at St. Peter’s Catholic School. Giving back in this capacity was invaluable.”

Education in some aspect has continued to remain a focal point in her life. “After teaching 3rd grade, I worked at Easter Seals South Carolina, the University of SC, and as a SC Medicaid Project Coordinator SC with MAXIMUS, a government agency that provided services to school districts receiving Medicaid funding. And today, I am grateful to still be in a position to positively impact students’ lives. At Midlands Technical College where I have worked for the past twenty-three years, as the Director of CAREERS and TRiO Programs, I am able to assist economically disadvantaged students reach their educational goals by providing retention services in order that they can graduate and become gainfully employed”

“I am proud to share that my mother’s side of the family has been involved either through attendance, employment and/or service with St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, and Church since their inception. Several of my Great Aunts were teachers, my Great Uncle worked there, and many of my close cousins have attended the school as well. In my family, we are keeping that legacy alive. On the school side, currently, my husband serves as President of the St. Martin de Porres School Board, and our son serves as the President of St. Martin de Porres School Alumni Association. We also continue to remain active in the church and affiliated organizations.”

In closing, Mrs. Glymph states “I believe that God has a purpose and plan for all of us, and that wherever we are in our lives, we are supposed to be. Daily, I continue to be nourished and encouraged by Philippians 4:13- “I Can Do All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Me.” I appreciate my humble, but impactful beginnings, and owe my gratitude to everyone who touched my life in some way at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School.”