Our People: Native grown from ag roots

Tamara Price was born and raised in Portales. She is the daughter of Elvin and Sissy Hays. She grew up with a farming dad so agriculture was a big influence in her life. She was involved in FFA (Future Farmers of America) and graduated from Portales High School. She went on to study accounting at Eastern New Mexico University then went back again to get a license to teach.

She taught in Texas for a couple years then returned to Portales to teach with a new set of colleagues who were once her former teachers. She is the business teacher at Portales High School. In her 17-year career, she has taught mostly English and journalism and most recently plays a role in the school's Business Professionals of America. She also helps with the Maypole every year.

She is married to Travis Price and the couple have two sons, Travin and Truitt. She enjoys cooking with her mother and grandmother. They enjoy canning their own fruits and vegetables.

Price also enjoys watching her children play sports and doing other outdoor family activities.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Anytime I get to spend time with family is a perfect day.

Tell us a story about your childhood.

We were very much ag based family. Dad was a farmer and a lot of my childhood memories come from being out in the field. I rode in the combine (harvester) a lot with mom and the tractor with dad. We have pictures of us playing on top of the peanut trailers. We spent a lot of time outdoors working and playing together.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

I wasn't sure. But I played school a lot. I always thought about being a teacher. I always knew it would be a possibility.

What's so great about your favorite sport?

I never liked sports until I met my husband. He likes football and baseball so now my kids are involved in both. When they play, that's when it's my favorite. But my favorite pastime is fishing.

What's your favorite taste?

Chocolate is always good.

What's your favorite smell?

Fresh cut grass.

What is your favorite quote?

"If you're going to do something, do it right," is what mom used to say.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Genuine.

Tell us how you met your spouse.

He was my high school sweetheart. He's two years older so we were together in high school for a bit.

Tell us about your favorite place to travel?

I really like to go to the mountains.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

I'll probably still be teaching in 10 years. One of my boys will be graduated and one will be close to graduating. Depending on where they go and what they do will determine what I do. They rule the roost.

- Compiled by The News Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield