Wednesday, May 7, 2003
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Wednesday, May 7, 2003 |
Media center named in honor of former educatorA long-time Fayette County educator who taught many generations of African-American students prior to the desegregation of schools will now have the media center at East Fayette Elementary named in her honor. Beginning May 18, East Fayette's media center will formerly become known as the Senior DeVaughn Price media center during a dedication ceremony scheduled at the school from 3-5 p.m. which the public is invited to attend. The elementary school is located in what used to be known as the Fayette County Training School where Price taught second and third grades for 12 years. Price's teaching career in Fayette started in 1937 when she began teaching first, second and third grades at Holly Grove School near Starr's Mill and what is now Peachtree City. When the schools for African-American children were consolidated, she taught at the newly built Fayette County Training School where she earned the distinction of "Teacher of the Year" in 1961. In addition to teaching children, Price also taught World War II and Korean War veterans at the night school program designed to help them obtain their high school diplomas. "We are certain that our mother and grandmother would be as delighted as we are to have the media center at East Fayette named in her honor. This is such as special tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing hundreds of African-American children in Fayette," said Gilda Watters, one of Price's granddaughters. While teaching, Price lived with her husband, Buddy, and their four children on the family's farm in Fayette. The Prices often shared their extra harvest each year with less fortunate families. When Price knew of particular children in need who could not attend school because they did not have clothing to wear or enough food to eat, she would discreetly distribute food and clothes within the community. Her family says that she firmly believed that every child deserved an education and wanted to do everything within her power to make sure that all children had the opportunity to attend school. "Everyone in the county had a great deal of respect for her. She was very dedicated to her profession even though she taught during a time that wasn't very easy," said granddaughter Shari Gooden. Price retired from teaching in 1969 but still remained an active member of the community until she passed away June 18, 1985, at the age of 79. The family of Senior Price says they would like to invite all of her former students and colleagues to attend the May 18 dedication ceremony at East Fayette. Not only will the ceremony be a day to honor and remember Price, but also a time to honor all teachers from her era. Anyone needing additional information about the Senior DeVaughn Price dedication can contact the school at 770-460-3565.
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