LANDRUM – At their regular monthly meeting held Nov. 3, the Landrum Lions Club announced the selection of Martha Walker as the 2016 Citizen of the Year.

Walker is the author of the book “Landrum Schools Through the Decades: 1880s – 1990s.” The book is being sold at the Landrum Library, the Spartanburg Library and on Amazon.

Enlisting the help of local high school student J.J. Carruth to interview people who had been through the Landrum school system during the timeframe of the book for his senior project, Walker was able to publish the book through the Spartanburg County Library and their Kennedy Press. Since its release in April, 215 copies have been sold.

“We tried to look at the whole picture of how the Landrum schools and the educational process were affected by various school laws, finances and the world situation,” Walker explained. “Assisted by former Superintendent Dr. Jimmy Littlefield and former O.P. Earle Elementary School Principal Walker Williams, we wanted to get the perspectives of people associated with the schools from the other side of the desk, so to speak.”

Traditionally, the Landrum Citizen of the Year is the grand marshal in the Christmas Parade, to be held Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., sponsored by the Landrum Area Business Association and the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District. The parade route will begin on N. Trade Avenue at the Landrum Depot and wind through town to Landrum Middle School.

Born and raised in Landrum, Walker graduated from Landrum High School in 1963 as the valedictorian of her class. As a teacher, Walker taught math classes in Selma, Ala., Boiling Springs and Landrum High Schools for nearly 30 years. She married Bob in 1966, and the couple celebrated their 50th anniversary this year.

The profits from Walker’s book, released in April, are being used to place historical signs at the locations of Landrum schools. Those interested can call 864-457-4669 or email Walker at majwalker@charter.net.