March Bear of the Month - Lesly Pyle - Class of 199
Pyle of Memories Author, 1996 Noble graduate, Lesly Pyle
“Make Stuff People Care About.”
When one of Lesly Pyle’s creative mentors said the above five words, they changed everything for her. They became a beacon for how Lesly approaches her day job as an advertising copywriter. But those words also had a profound impact on how she lives her life. Sure, Lesly’s worked at places she’s proud to name-drop, like Apple in Northern California. But the thing she’s most proud of is “Pyle of Memories,” a book of hilarious and heartwarming short stories she co-authored with 35 of the best storytellers she knows to raise money for dementia research. Because dementia is something 55 million people care about.
In 2024, “Pyle of Memories” made its first donation to Lauren and Seth Rogen’s caregiving and dementia research foundation, “Hilarity for Charity.” Even though the book was an Amazon Best Seller among titles by world-renown comedians like Tina Fey, Nick Offerman, and Lesly’s personal favorite author, Bill Bryson, when Lesly learned that her gift to “Hilarity for Charity” funded two grants and is making a meaningful difference in someone’s life, that meant more to her than the Amazon status. Though, she thought that was pretty cool too.
You can purchase your very own copy of “Pyle of Memories” here!
Lesly’s work with TRG Studios brings her creative eye to a playful photo series made with her two mischievous cats, Sagan and Scotlan. Lesly snaps pics of her furry muses and if it reminds her of a famous person or recognizable icon, she makes a side-by-side image of it. People dig it. Not sure how much the cats like it, but do cats like anything?
How did your years spent in Noble contribute to shaping who you are today? What is your favorite memory of growing up in Noble? Who were your most impactful teachers and why?
“Open Minds Open Doors - The LaCasse Method”
This story is dedicated to teachers.
Especially to the one who changed my life.
Cut to 1996.
My senior English teacher invited our class to write in the style of Geoffrey Chaucer — and as an added bonus — draw illustrated text around each poem. I didn’t think I liked English until this moment. My favorite subjects were math, science, art, drama, and ironically, Spanish. Pero English? ¡Nunca! Thesis statements, dialogue, similes, interrobangs, who cares!?!
But this? This Chaucer thing was different.
That night, I penned my poems with newfound fervor, reveling in the hidden messages like Ralphie from “A Christmas Story” and his Little Orphan Annie decoder pin. I delicately sketched custom illustrations around the margins, creating an ornamental frame for each one.
The next day, I handed in my homework. And held my breath. I was taking a risk with some cleverly disguised, non-G-rated content. One poem was about the “World’s Oldest Profession.” And though it’s been decades since I held that hard copy in my hands, I still remember this line:
“From chamber to chamber she doth leap,
using her body as payment to sleep.”
For the first time ever, Ms. LaCasse asked me to stay after class.
I approached her desk with trepidation.
“Lesly, I wanted to speak with you about your poems.”
She paused for what seemed like an eternity.
Oh boy.
Here it comes.
I’m expelled.At last she broke the tension.
“I’ve never seen work like this from you before,” she said with a smile.
“I’ve never had an assignment like this before,” I said with appreciation.
Thank you, Ms. LaCasse, for choosing education as your career.
I wouldn’t have mine if it weren’t for yours.
Cut to a week after I posted the above story on Facebook.
I got a message from my eighth grade English Teacher, Mrs. Susan Caddell, who saw my status. She knew that Ms. LaCasse didn’t check Facebook and would never see it. So she printed my story and drove it to Ms. LaCasse’s house.
Here’s to all the teachers who go above and beyond for their students. Even 30 years after they were in their classrooms.
I’m now a professional writer because of both of you.
Back in the day with Kristal (McCrory) Standridge, and Mendy (Collins) Schmerer. We think it’s time to recreate this classic!
What advice do you have for the current students of Noble?
Don’t be afraid to be true to who you are. And enjoy the time you have left in high school. Once you graduate, and your world widens beyond the borders of Noble, take all the foundations of your formative years with you. And you’ll be just fine
Also, don’t be afraid to speak your mind to authority. Your idea might become an icon. When I was in high school, I was having lunch at Kendall’s. The waiter, Dee, was also Noble’s mayor. While he was handing me a chicken fried steak the size of Texas, I handed him a thought. “Hey, Dee, what if we put a sign at the edge of town that spoke proudly of who we are as a town?
Something like: “Welcome to Noble, Oklahoma. Rose Rock Capital of the World.” Very soon after that we had our sign. And it’s been there ever since. Now, maybe I wasn’t the only one with that idea, but it does make me feel like I was destined to be an advertising copywriter.
All-Star softball game in Tuttle with Chandra (Brown) Stewart), Brandy Salem-Miller, and Dawn (Kosek) Hills.
What is your personal definition of success?
This is a great question, and I can tell you with 100% confidence that, for me, money simply ain’t it. I just try to find the things that make me happiest, and, as well as I can, stay away from the things that don’t. For me, my happy place is helping others. Being able to spend my time doing that is how I define success. Also, golf. Especially when it’s a team tournament.
Team sports were my thing when I was in high school too. I played fast pitch softball, slow pitch softball, and baseball. And I managed the NHS Lady Bear basketball team. I was terrible at playing hoops, so I found another way to contribute to the Lady Bears’ success by keeping the books and sweeping the floor. I loved all of it. But the thing I loved most was my teammates.
Even though I’m a writer, I’m not the type who uses ten-dollar words. My favorite is a simple one: “Team.” When you approach life as a member of a team, you realize how many other people depend on you to do your part. And no matter what we accomplish, we owe credit to all the others who helped us get where we are. (Refer to the story “Open Minds Open Doors: The LaCasse Method.” I have so many stories like this. People who go out of their way to help you be the best you. Life is a team sport.)
Lesly Pyle truly embodies what it means to be a standout member of the Noble Bear Family.
Her creativity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence shine through in everything she does.
From her work at TRG Studios to her ability to bring unique perspectives to the table, Lesly is a force to be reckoned with. She’s not just a graduate; she’s an inspiration to us all.
Here’s to Lesly—keep doing what you do best, because the world needs more of your brilliance.
