Lucy Addison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucy Addison
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Portrait of Addison from History of the American Negro and his institutions, published 1917
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| Born | December 8, 1861 |
| Died | November 13, 1937 (aged 75) Washington, D.C.
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| Occupation | Teacher, principal |
Lucy Addison (born December 8, 1861, in Upperville, Virginia – died November 13, 1937, in Washington, D.C.) was an amazing African-American teacher and school principal. She worked hard to make sure students, especially African-American students, got a great education. In 2011, the Library of Virginia honored her as one of "Virginia Women in History" for all her important work in schools.
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Lucy Addison's Early Life and Education
Lucy Addison was born on December 8, 1861, in Upperville, Virginia. Her parents, Charles and Elizabeth Anderson Addison, were both enslaved people. Lucy was their third child.
After her family gained their freedom, Lucy's father bought farm land. This allowed Lucy to start attending school. She later traveled to Philadelphia to study at the Institute for Colored Youth. She earned her teaching degree there in 1882.
Lucy was always learning. She kept her teaching skills sharp by taking more classes. She attended schools like Howard University and the University of Pennsylvania. She also helped lead different groups, including serving on the board for the Burrell Memorial Hospital.
Lucy Addison's Work in Education
After getting her degree, Lucy Addison returned to Virginia. She started teaching in Loudoun County, Virginia. In 1886, she moved to Roanoke, Virginia. There, she taught at the First Ward Colored School.
The next year, Lucy became the temporary head of the school. This happened after the principal passed away. She led the school until 1888. Then, a new school was built, and a male principal was hired. Lucy continued to work there for over ten years. She was both a teacher and an assistant principal.
Leading Harrison School to Success
In 1917, Lucy Addison became the principal of the Harrison School. This school was for African-American students. At first, the school was only allowed to teach up to the eighth grade.
But Lucy had bigger plans! She added high school level classes to the school's lessons. She also worked very hard to convince the Virginia State Board of Education to fully approve the school. Her efforts paid off in 1924. The Board gave the school full approval. That year, several students graduated with a high school diploma.
Lucy Addison retired in 1927. She moved to Washington, D.C. to live with one of her sisters. But she often returned to Virginia for special events. One big event was when Roanoke's first public high school for African Americans was named in her honor.
Lucy Addison's Legacy
Lucy Addison passed away on November 13, 1937, in Washington, D.C.. She was buried in Columbian Harmony Cemetery. Later, in 1970, her remains were moved. This happened when the cemetery became part of National Harmony Memorial Park in Maryland.
The Lucy Addison High School opened in Roanoke the year after Lucy retired. She traveled back to Virginia to attend the opening ceremony. This school was a big step for education in the community.
In the 1970s, there were plans to close the high school. It was going to become a vocational school. This was part of Roanoke's desegregation plans. But a judge, Ted Dalton, ordered the school to stay open.
In 1973, the school changed its structure. It became the Lucy Addison Junior High School. Later, it was renamed the Lucy Addison Middle School. Her name lives on, honoring her dedication to education.
