Pauline C. Morton facts for kids

Pauline Cauthorne Morton was an important African-American teacher and activist. She was born on February 19, 1912, and passed away on February 8, 2004.

Her Early Life and Schooling

Pauline Morton grew up in Dunnsville, Virginia. She went to several schools, including Ozena Public School and Rappahannock Industrial Academy, graduating in 1928.

She then went to Virginia State University, where she earned a degree in education in 1933. Later, she continued her studies and received a master's degree from Cornell University.

Pauline married Samuel Percell Morton. He was the principal of Hayden High School in Franklin, Virginia. She moved to Franklin with him and started her career as a teacher.

She taught home economics, which helps people learn skills for managing a home. In 1947, she began working for the Virginia Department of Education. This was a time when schools were still separated by race, known as segregation. She retired from teaching in 1974.

Her Work and Community Impact

Pauline Morton became a state supervisor for home economics, helping other teachers. She also became a leader in the Statewide Home Economics Association.

She was very active in her community and in local and state government. She led both the local school board and the community college board. She also served on many other important groups.

Pauline Morton helped start the federal school lunch program in her area. This program made sure students had healthy meals at school.

For over 50 years, she was on the board of trustees for the J.R. Thomas Camp. From 1972 to 2002, she served on the Board of Directors for Senior Services for Southeastern Virginia. This group helps older people in the community.

She helped create the Franklin chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP works for equal rights for African Americans. She was a lifetime member of this important group.

Pauline Morton also belonged to other organizations like the National Council of Negro Women, the Order of the Eastern Star, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Links, Inc. She helped start other groups too, such as the Franklin Cooperative Ministry, The Cosmonettes, and Sesame Street Day Care.

She was also very active in her church, leading its deacon board. In total, she led twenty-three different organizations during her life.

Pauline Morton passed away in Franklin. She is remembered for her dedication to education and her community.

Awards and Recognition

Pauline Morton received many awards for all her hard work in the community.

A special scholarship has been created in her honor at Virginia State University. This scholarship helps students who want to study there.

In December 2017, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources approved a historic marker for her. This marker is like a special sign that tells people about her important contributions. It is located near Paul D. Camp Community College, where she had served on the board.