A Legacy of Life Skills: Ann Frisbie’s 38 Years in FCS
Ann Frisbie’s nearly four-decade career teaching family and consumer sciences at Minco High School left an incredible mark, shaping countless students’ lives with practical skills, leadership development and lifelong lessons.
Frisbie, who also served as a Family, Career and Community Leader of America adviser, dedicated 38 years to connecting students with opportunities that extended far beyond the classroom.
“It was amazing to see students grow as leaders and support each other,” Frisbie said. “Seeing friendships develop through FCCLA was one of the best parts of my job.”
A 1978 graduate of Wakita Public Schools, Frisbie’s journey into education began with her own experiences in Future Homemakers of America, now FCCLA. Encouraged by her high school home economics teacher, Nevaleen Selmat, Frisbie served as her local chapter president, attended the National FHA Leadership Meeting in Seattle and discovered her calling.
“My teacher gave me an amazing opportunity to attend the national meeting,” Frisbie said. “It certainly influenced my decision to major in home economics and pursue teaching.”
She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in vocational home economics from Oklahoma State University in 1983 and started her teaching career at Minco High School not long after.
At Minco, Frisbie taught a range of classes, including nutrition and wellness, child development; and marriage and family life, focusing on practical life skills that would set students up for success.
“Seeing my students gain practical skills that would help them in real life was so rewarding,” she said. “Classes like nutrition and wellness were fun to teach, but they also gave students tools for a healthier, more productive life.”
As an FCCLA adviser, Frisbie encouraged students to attend conferences, compete in events and take on leadership roles. One of her proudest moments was guiding her daughter, Megan, who served as a state FCCLA officer.
“Helping my daughter develop her leadership skills and watching her build friendships that lasted for years was such a gift,” Frisbie said. “Seeing my own child apply the skills I taught meant so much to me.”
Frisbie credits Oklahoma CareerTech for equipping students with career and interpersonal skills that prepare them for success. She advises young people to explore their passions and embrace new opportunities.
“Volunteer, get involved and explore your options,” she said. “High school is a time to discover what you love and what you’re good at.”
Though she retired from teaching, Frisbie said her students remain her greatest reward.
“Teaching is challenging, but if you love what you do, there’s nothing more rewarding,” she said.
