A retired Anson County educator was pleasantly surprised when she received a letter from President Barack Obama last month.
Dr. Altheria Smith Patton was honored in the letter, dated Feb. 9, from the White House, according to her friend, Dr. L. Diane Bennett.
In the letter, the president recognized Patton’s career in education and congratulated on her retirement after she had served for 60 years.
“Ensuring students can thrive in school is an extraordinary responsibility, and each day educators across America take on this task with passion and professionalism,” Obama said in the letter. “They inspire and challenge our sons and daughters, encouraging curiosity and exploration of new ideas and cultivating the skills students will need to reach their full potential. As these educators set our next generation on a better path, their work strengthens our Nation’s future.”
Patton was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, on Jan. 16. More than 200 people, including former students and colleagues, attended the celebration.
Every municipality in Anson County also proclaimed Jan. 16 to be Dr. Altheria Smith Patton Day.
Patton began her career in 1947, when she moved to Anson to teach at the former Polkton Colored High School until the schools were integrated. Then she taught at Bowman Senior High School.
A biography written by Bennett when Patton was given the Order of the Long Leaf Pine said that Patton has made many ‘firsts’ in her career.
“Dr. Patton has been a trailblazer as a teacher, counselor, administrator and as the first African-American principal of Anson Junior High School, first African-American female associate superintendent of Anson County Schools, the first African-American female vice chair of the Anson County school board and was instrumental in establishing the Alternative Learning School-Anson Challenge Academy, a concept that originated from her dissertation,” Bennett wrote.
Although Patton is retired, she is still very active. She told the Record in January that she is involved in the Order of the Eastern Star, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the local chapter of the National Association of University Women, North Carolina Retired School Personnel and a local book club. She is also a member of the Anson County Arts Council.
Reach reporter Imari Scarbrough at 704-994-5471 and follow her on Twitter @ImariScarbrough.
