East Hampton has some of the most beautiful golf courses on the East Coast, but not all feats on the putting green happen at the Maidstone Club. This photo from The East Hampton Star's archive shows a moment in local golf history made in 1971 at East Hampton High School, as a student, Lauralee Frood (1954-1992), far right, receives a varsity letter for her achievements on the golf team.
This marked the first time in school history that a young woman earned a varsity sports letter. Aside from her athletic achievements, Frood participated in a number of school activities, including choir, student government, band, and the bowling team. She also maintained a 4.0 grade-point average her entire senior year.
After graduation, Lauralee attended the State University at Plattsburgh, where she studied elementary education. Upon completing her degree, Frood returned to the South Fork and in 1976 became a first-grade teacher at the Bridgehampton School, where she taught until her retirement in 1989.
Frood, or as she was later known, Lauralee Frood Colleary, was beloved by the student body, parents, and colleagues alike, earning a special award from the Parent Teacher Organization in 1989. Her passion for serving her community may have come from her father, Sheppard (Shep) Frood (1923-2010), who was an East Hampton Town justice for 18 years.
A special memorial service was held to commemorate Lauralee Frood Colleary at the Bridgehampton School in 1992 upon her untimely passing. Former students shared memories of their teacher, and a beech tree was planted outside the classroom where she used to teach.
While Lauralee has not been nominated for the East Hampton High School Athletic Hall of Fame, it is clear that she would be an ideal candidate for the honor.
Julia Tyson is a librarian and archivist in the Long Island Collection.
