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LaRoche to join Tribune as feature religion-column writer
The Fort Scott Tribune
The Fort Scott Tribune is adding another member to its ever-expanding group of writers this week with the introduction of new religion column by Patty LaRoche.
LaRoche, a speech and drama teacher at Fort Scott High School for the past 13 years, has been writing for the last four years and is currently compiling her first Christian based autobiography.
Born in Denver, Colo., LaRoche moved to Fort Scott at the age of six. She attended college at Pittsburg State University where, due to a love of learning, she changed her majors on numerous occasions.
"I started in pre-law, then I was in nursing ... and I ended up a speech teacher. Go figure," said LaRoche. "It was because I loved everything. If I could have done it all, I would have."
Following her student career, LaRoche really began to soar -- literally. The 20 year old took to the skies of Washington, D.C. as an airline flight attendant.
In 1973, LaRoche left this career to become the wife of former pro-baseball player David LaRoche.
From here, Patty would become the step-mother of two daughters; Nanette Hay and Nikki Green, and the biological mother of three boys; Jeff, Adam and Andy LaRoche.
Well-famed for following in their father's footsteps, all three of Patty's sons went on to play professional baseball. Adam and Andy are currently starters on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Her family is a large inspiration when it comes to writing subjects, according to Patty.
"Being a step-parent, being the mother of two pro athletes, marrying an athlete," she said. "I just have so many stories."
In addition to her career with FSHS, Patty has spent the last five years as a speaker for Carol Kent's international "Speak Up With Confidence" ministries. According to Patty, becoming a Christian is a big part of her becoming a writer.
"I became a Christian when I was 27, when my parents moved to Houston and joined a Bible Church," said Patty. "I joined a Sunday school at the church and they really encouraged me to speak and write for the group. ... I believe it was because of God that they encouraged me to go home and write."
After several years of writing for the church group, Patty sent some information to Kent, who to her surprise ended up calling Patty personally and asking that she speak for the program.
"I did not expect Carole to call me at all," said Patty. "I was honored and flattered. It really changed my life and what I thought I'd be doing."
Patty's new column can be found, starting Friday, Jan. 23, on the religion page of The Fort Scott Tribune.
"I am really excited about the opportunity to write this column," said Patty. "I look forward to a positive and long relationship with The Tribune. I think it's going to be a lot of fun."