A native of Hocking County, Ohio, Gladys Schaal grew up in a farmhouse on more than 200 acres. She was a firm believer in education, and was determined to attend college. Gladys would get up at daybreak to do chores on the farm before driving an hour to Ohio University in Athens. It was often late in the evening before she returned home, where more chores awaited her and it was often late in the evening before she could do her homework. In addition, she worked weekends to pay for college, books, and gas money. Gladys lived on the farm most of her life, leaving when she was teaching elsewhere or caring for her sick brothers and sisters, each of whom preceded her in death. Although she never married, she is remembered as one of the finest teachers in her community, receiving Christmas cards from former students and revered when conversations about education take place in the community. As her legacy, Gladys wished that her love of education would continue through the lives of young men and women in Hocking County who are pursuing a degree in education.