Anson Honors Dr. Altheria Smith Patton for Life of Service

Civic, educational and religious leaders joined more than 200 former students, colleagues, relatives and friends Jan. 16 at the Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro to celebrate Dr. Altheria Smith Patton’s recognition from Gov. Pat McCrory.

The governor awarded Patton the Order of the Long Leaf Pine — North Carolina’s highest civilian honor — on Dec. 12 in recognition of the 60-year veteran educator and school administrator’s life devoted to educating Anson County students.

Anson County Schools and alumni associations hosted a countywide celebration this month where the state award, municipal proclamations and other honors were presented.

Wadesboro Mayor William Thacker and mayors of all municipalities in Anson County proclaimed Jan. 16 as Dr. Altheria Smith Patton Day. Town Manager M. Alexander Sewell, a fellow Rotarian, presented the Town of Wadesboro’s proclamation, on behalf of the mayor.

He spoke of Patton’s consistency and loyalty to the town and remarked, “We’re so honored and pleased that she’s a citizen and resident of Wadesboro.”

Sheriff Landric Reid spoke of the importance of his relationship with Patton despite being sheriff for just 14 months. Representing the county, Reid presented the Anson County proclamation and emphasized “what an honor and a privilege it is to acknowledge Dr. Patton, while she could see and hear our appreciation.”

Superintendent Michael Freeman and Board of Education Chairwoman Dr. Bobbie Little spoke on behalf of Anson County Schools and shared personal stories of Patton’s impact on their lives.

“Dr. Patton — Miss Patton at the time — and my mother were the only two people who thought I could do and be more,” Freeman said. “Dr. Patton urged me to apply for and attend college. She had a way of making you feel that you were the only student in the school. She is the reason I am where I am today.”

Little and others shared their experiences with Patton and anecdotes about her “persistence and kindness.”

Dr. Jim Sims was scheduled to present the Order of the Long Leaf Pine but due to illness was unable to attend. However, a former student and the lead organizer of this event and award application, Dr. L. Diane Bennett, a Charlotte entrepreneur, presented The Order of the Long Leaf Pine to Patton before an adoring and appreciative crowd.

“What an honor it is to honor the woman that inspired greatness is us when we didn’t see it in ourselves,” Bennett said. “God bless you, Dr. Patton.”

Little, a fellow Long Leaf Pine recipient, affixed the Society of the Long Leaf Pine lapel pin to Patton’s jacket.

Patton’s remarks, befitting her English teacher style, centered on two poems — “Silence” by Edgar Lee Masters and “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.

“Silence” captured her emotions of the day and “The Road Not Taken” epitomized her life and “the choice that changed my life forever…staying in Anson County, despite numerous other opportunities.”

She ended by thanking everyone, and offered a particularly heartfelt thanks to the men and women of East Polkton Alumni Association, to whom she said: “I fell in love with you and your families; you accepted me in your homes and into your lives…that’s the reason I stayed. Thank you all. God bless you.”

Originally posted on the Anson Record

 

North Carolina School Boards AssociationAnson Honors Dr. Altheria Smith Patton for Life of Service